On Wednesday, October 9, 2019, Brenda Starr Iseman, loving wife and mother, passed away in her home at the age of 66.
She was born September 30, 1953, in Marietta, GA to Ralph “Bennie” and Johnnie Casey. She graduated in 1971 from Truman High School, Independence, MO and attended Blue Valley Community College.
On February 28, 1976, Brenda married the love of her life, R.H. “Bud” Iseman. She loved Bud’s daughter’s, Teri and Cathy, as her own. Brenda and Bud had two more children, Brandee and Blaine.
Brenda was a dedicated and hard worker, and found her true calling when she and Bud owned and managed Bigler’s Eatery & Pub and later Mosby’s, both in Springfield, MO. She was the heart and soul of the restaurant. She loved her customers and employees, and they became family to her. Brenda was also employed by Springfield and Willard School District Transportation Departments, where she shared her tremendous love and care with the students and co-workers.
Brenda enjoyed her time with Bud at their farm in Lebanon, MO. Feeding and watching the birds, especially the hoards of hummingbirds that returned every year, brought her joy. She had a green thumb and always had beautiful flowers and gardens. She enjoyed the family camping trips to Beaver Lake with her brother-in-law and his wife, Bill & Shiela Iseman, Wichita Falls, TX, and cousins Bill & Dana Laney, West Fork, AR. The birds at Beaver Lake were never so well fed as when Brenda was camping. Her love for her family was matched only by her love for her fur babies, Putsa, Crackers and Bubba. And Elvis. She loved Elvis.
Brenda’s greatest joy was her family. She truly believed God blessed her with the most wonderful man anyone could ever have. She loved Bud beyond measure, and Bud’s love for his wife knows no bounds. Brenda was his best friend and the love of his life. She was blessed with four children (and spouses) who she loved dearly—Brandee & Charley Massey, Springfield, MO; Blaine & Michelle Iseman, Springfield, MO; Teri & Tim Spoon, Willard, MO; and Cathy & Greg Ritz, Springfield, MO; eight grandchildren that she loved and was so very proud of: Stephanie (Sean) Jackson, Willard, MO; Jarid (Kami) Spoon, Greenfield, MO; Hannah Havens, Springdale, AR; Carter Havens, Prairie Grove, AR; and Haley Havens, Christopher Massey, Dani Massey and Scotty Latimer, all of Springfield, MO; and 6 great grandchildren: Briana, Gator, Skye and Virginia, Remi and Rorie, and one more on the way. She prayed for her family every day. Brenda loved her sisters, Rhonda Gammon, Independence, MO, and Benita Hyder, Odessa, MO, and their families, and treasured their time together. She also loved her “adopted kids” (you know who you are). All of these people have given her laughter and love. Brenda’s spunk, wit and never-ceasing concern for all of her people will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Bennie, her mother, Johnnie, and her nephew, Christopher. She is survived by her husband, Bud, 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 6 (almost 7) great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, nieces and nephews and great niece and nephew.
The family would like to thank all who have prayed and sent encouragement over the past months. They would also like to thank Brenda’s hospice nurse, George Martin, Integrity Hospice, for the care he provided.
Visitation at Greenlawn North Funeral Home Sunday, October 13, 2019, 6-8 p.m. Funeral service at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Monday, October 14, 2019 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Greenlawn North Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Rare Breed, 1630 N. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65803, or Laura’s Home, 300 S. Main, Willard, MO 65781.