Eva White (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Eva Josephine White, daughter of Fred I. and Nola B. Bench Kirk, was born January 20, 1929, near Lead Mine, Missouri. She departed this life Wednesday, February 2, 2011, in her home, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-two years and twelve days.
On July 5, 1947, she was united in marriage to William Lee “Bill” White, and to this union one daughter was born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill, on June 14, 2002; and a sister, Helen Millard.
Eva is survived by a daughter, Bonnie Merrington, and her husband, John, of Lebanon, Missouri; a grandson, Kameron Barnett, and his wife, Misty, of Lebanon, Missouri; four great-grandchildren, Kyle, Grace, Celine, and Tristan; a brother, Jack Kirk, of Lamar, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in rural Dallas County, near the community of Celt. She graduated from Tunas High School and then attended Draughon Business College before marrying Bill in 1947. Shortly after they were married, Eva and Bill made their home in Danville, Ohio, where they operated a turkey farm. On February 28, 1951, they returned to Missouri, purchased property near Lebanon, and began a farm with five cows and two dogs. They eventually turned their farm into a dairy and cattle operation for forty-eight years, and then, for the remaining years, a cattle farm. Eva and Bill worked together caring for the animals, milking, and feeding.
Eva followed the Methodist faith throughout her early years.
Although working on the farm was the major part of her life, she enjoyed growing large produce and flower gardens each year. She liked being outdoors and enjoyed going fishing when possible. She also found time for quilting, crocheting, and canning. Her family was very important to her and she especially enjoyed her grandson and great-grandchildren.
Eva was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them throughout the years.
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