Violet Mae Crowder (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Violet Mae Crowder, daughter of Rudolph and Caroline Straub Listrom, was born January 23, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri. She departed this life Wednesday, January 15, 2020, in The Baptist Home, in Ozark, Missouri, at the age of ninety-four years, eleven months, and twenty-two days.
On February 24, 1945, she was united in marriage to Raymond William Crowder, and to this union two sons were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray, on January 14, 2004; a brother, Donald Listrom; and two sisters, Eunice Harvey, and Phyllis Preuett.
Violet is survived by two sons, Rev. Dr. Dennis Crowder, and his wife, Ann, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Rev. Douglas Crowder, and his wife, Debra, of Magalia, California; five grandchildren, Dwight and Becci Crowder, Darren and Lisa Crowder, Duane and Corinne Crowder, Diana Crowder, and Jessica and Joe Jones; nine great-grandchildren, Aaron, Titus, Malachi, Charis, Lily, Lauren, Alexis, Abigail, and Ian; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in St. Louis, where she graduated from high school and attended two years of college. After she, married Ray and had a family, they went together to Southwestern Seminary, and then came back to Bentonville, Arkansas. Next, they went to Moline Baptist Church and she became a minister’s wife when Ray became a staff member. Later, they went to Fort Worth, Texas while Ray attended seminary and then to Flomot, Texas where Ray began serving as Pastor. The journey took them on to Clinton, Missouri, Otterville, Missouri, Tucson, Arizona, back to Missouri and to Swedeborg. They then retired and moved to Lebanon where they enjoyed their retirement years. No matter where they were, Violet was always a devoted homemaker, loving mother and a supportive pastor’s wife. Violet stayed in Lebanon after Ray passed and later moved to The Baptist Home in Ozark.
Through the years, Violet was involved in the churches where they served and taught Sunday school in all of them. Violet became a member of First Baptist Church in Lebanon and again taught Sunday school. When her son, Dennis, became the minister at First Baptist Church in Waynesville, she would go there with him. Once she settled into The Baptist Home, she became a Sunday school teacher again. She loved reading her Bible and praying. She was always encouraging to others and shared love with everyone she could.
In her spare time she enjoyed painting, working in her yard where she grew beautiful flowers, and working Sudoku puzzles. She loved her family dearly and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Violet was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and was a caring friend. We celebrate her life and know that she will be fondly remembered for her great faith and dedication to God.
A memorial has been established to The Baptist Home in Ozark or Mission Dignity.
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