Alice “Beth” Oldham, 106, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2013 in Springfield, MO. Beth was born in Boyero, Colorado, she was the fourth of six children, born to A.W. and Nellie Maude Grove. The Grove clan moved to Birch Tree, MO to open a restaurant. In 1925, Beth Grove and her fiance Claude Oldham took a Sunday afternoon drive to Mammoth Springs, AR with another couple, both couples were married in a double ceremony. Two daughters were born to this union. In 1935, Beth and Claude moved to Springfield where they lived the rest of their lives. They had celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary before Claude died in 1998. The last 13 years Beth had lived with her daughter Joyce.
Beth enjoyed cooking and entertaining her family and friends enjoyed her delicious pies a talent she inherited from her mother. For over 20 years she and Claude wintered in South Texas, but always returned for the spring and summer here in the Ozarks.
She was preceded in death by her husband Claude, and her daughter, Jo Nell James. Brothers, Vernon, Floyd and Donald Grove, sisters, Dorothy Quay and Blanche Wallis.
She is survived by her daughter, Joyce Thomason, grandchildren, Gail Bennett, Terry Sanders, Russell, Ronald and Rick James and Ray Nell Copely. Many great- grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was raised in the Baptist Church and was a long time member of University Heights Baptist Church. She also belonged to the Eastern Star for 88 years.
A special thanks to Preferred Hospice who have helped the family for last 3 years so that Beth could continue to live at home.
Services for Beth will be held Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. in Greenlawn Funeral Home South. Visitation will be from 6-8 Wednesday night.