Charlene (Mcgowan) Stigall Smith

Betty Charlene McGowan Stigall (Smith) was born on January 5, 1942 at the Ryan Hospital in Mtn. Grove, MO, to the late Hayward and Ollie McGowan. She became a Christian at an early age and in the last years attended First Christian Church as her health permitted. She went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 28, 2013 after a long battle with lung disease. She lived 71 years, 7 months and 24 days.
Charlene grew up on the family farm near Bendavis where she learned the value of hard work and perseverance. Being the 7th of 8 children meant that everyone had a job to do whether it was chores in the house or outside on the dairy farm. One can only imagine the mischief, mishaps, and interactions that transpired in this large family. Much unexplained giggling with younger brother, Pat was a source of joy for them, but caused much frustration for Mom and Dad. Charlene attended public school in Mtn. Grove where she graduated in 1960 with wonderful classmates that remained dear to her throughout the years.
After graduation, Charlene married Jerry Stigall and 3 children were born to this union. Caring for her family meant many hours of hard work in varieties of fields, with one of the most defining being “Mtn. Grove Bakery” which she and Jerry owned and operated for several years. She was dedicated to meeting the needs of the family and spent countless hours worrying if they were all safe, healthy, rested, and had full stomachs. Charlene had a passion and talent for preparing many outstanding treats and was known by the kids for her home made noodles, hot rolls, fried chicken, pies, and chocolate sheet cake. Each grandchild had their favorite “Granny specialty” and looked forward to enjoying it at family gatherings. Her love for her family and others was demonstrated most vividly by preparing delicious food from her kitchen. Affectionate nicknames, that really only made sense to Granny, were given to the grandchildren who she loved dearly. Her unique description of activities and things will always be a source of humorous fond memories for the kids. A favorite is “cat and mouse at the golf field” when referring to Rob and Sandra, and Marty and Anna’s Thursday night cat and dog league at the local golf course. She also found great joy in playing Bingo with her friends, cross stitching quilts for each child and grandchild, and spending time with her beloved canine companion, Tinker.
In the last years, her failing health made it necessary for her to spend time in various care centers where she was commended for her sweet spirit and appreciative attitude. It was a blessing for the kids to hear her courageously reassure with the statement, “I’m doing my best.” We all know that’s all that can be asked of any of us along life’s way.
Besides her parents, Charlene was preceded in death by her husband Jerry; 3 brothers, Bud, Pat, and Ron; 1 sister, June Riedesel; and an infant brother.
Survivors include siblings: Nadine Cantrell of Springfield, MO; Jaxie Merchant of Graff, MO; Wes McGowan and wife Modene of Mtn. Grove. Daughter, Sandra Hawkins and husband Rob and their 3 boys,Dustin, Aaron, and Devon;1 son, Marty Stigall and wife Anna and their 2 boys Austin and Preston; daughter, Sheila McAlexander and husband Jeff and their 5 children, Joshua, Dalton, Jason, Susan, and Shawn; 1 great-grandson Camden Hawkins and 2 great-grandchildren whose birth she was eagerly anticipating. She will be missed by many other relatives and friends.
We celebrate her life and take delight in knowing that she is free from the suffering of this world and is now resting peacefully in the arms of her Savior.

A special thank you to the loving care givers at Willow Care Nursing Home who made the last months of her life as pleasant and peaceful as possible.
Thank you, to each of you who have prayerfully supported and encouraged the family in these last years of Charlene’s life.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: American Cancer Society or First Christian Church Wings Group.


Visitation:

No Formal Visitation



Funeral Service:

Tuesday, September 3, 2013
at 2:00 PM in the

First Christian Church in Mtn. Grove.



Burial: Hillcrest Cemetery



Contributions:
American Cancer Society or First Christian Church c/o the funeral home.