Lois A. Durham (Mansfield)'s Obituary
Lois Arlene Durham, daughter of Gomer G. and Pearl A. Norton Emond, was born July 20, 1927 in Ottawa, Kansas and departed this life on August 24, 2014 in Rocky Ridge Manor near Mansfield, Missouri at the age of eighty-seven years, one month and four days.
On January 20, 1944 she was united in marriage to James C. Durham and to this union four sons were born. James preceded her in death on July 8, 1995. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a son, Ronald Durham, an infant granddaughter, Deana Michelle Durham, two brothers, Gerald Emond and Loren Emond, and one sister, Mildred Terhune.
Arlene is survived by three sons, Larry Durham of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Tom Durham and his wife, Vicky of Ava, Missouri and Jerry Durham and his wife, Sandra of Springfield, Missouri; fifteen grandchildren; thirty-six great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren; three sisters, Maxine Swain of Wichita, Kansas, Margie Jarvis of Bolivar, Missouri and a very special sister, Shirley Dunlap and her husband, Pete of Mansfield, Missouri; a brother, Donald Emond and his wife, Lois of Warsaw, Missouri; several nieces, nephews, and a lifelong friend, Bobbie Grabel of Kansas.
She was born in Ottawa and moved with her family to Wichita, Kansas, where she graduated from North High School in the Class of 1945. After marriage, she and James moved to Mansfield in the early 1960’s where she was a devoted wife and homemaker. They moved to Brushy Knob for a few years before returning to Mansfield where they spent the rest of their lives.
Arlene made a profession of faith in Christ many years ago and was a member of the Mansfield First Assembly of God Church where she was very active in the women’s ministry and young women’s ministry. She fondly referred to these young ladies as “My Girls”. She loved them dearly.
In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, gardening, canning and taking care of her flowers.
Arlene was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and accomplishments and will cherish the wonderful memories we have had together.
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