Florence Gene Stemmons, age 90, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on February 20, 2026 at Mercy Hospital Springfield. Florence was born to Earl Suttle and Myrtle Suttle on August 9, 1935 in Springfield, MO. Florence was married to Richard Verne Stemmons on June 25, 1955 in Springfield, Missouri.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Verne; parents, Earl and Myrtle Suttle; and four siblings: Mildred Suttle, Alice Fox, James Suttle, John Suttle. She is survived by her sister Ruby Bishop; her daughters Teresa Arras (Guy) and Vicky Stever (David); granddaughter Tori Ramsey; grandson Bryce Ramsey (Kailey); great-granddaughter Eleanor Ramsey; and bonus granddaughters Lucy Arras and Brittany Michael (David), and great-grandsons Callaway and Sullivan Michael. Other surviving family includes nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was a great playmate with children, engaging in hopscotch, riding a skateboard, making snow ice cream, catching crawdads in the creek, and creating voices for stuffed toys. The years she spent caring for Tori and Bryce in their youngest years she would rank as some of her best.

Florence loved nature and walking outdoors, and was a keen observer. She liked to know the names of plants and taught herself to identify bird calls. Into her 80’s, she continued to walk miles per week. The family enjoyed camping, boating and swimming at area lakes and that continued for Florence and Verne as empty-nesters. After retirement, they took their RV to national parks from the western states to Florida. Florence had a talent for descriptive writing. Letters and journals from their trips made the reader feel they were there with her.

Her love of learning expressed itself in multiple ways, most notably the completion of her GED at age 40. She was a long-time patron of public libraries. She was a self-taught seamstress, making all of her children’s clothing, even a daughter’s wedding dress. Florence learned to garden and preserve the produce, from canning green beans to strawberry jelly. She taught herself photography. She made an astounding apple pie.

During her adult life, Florence belonged to several Baptist churches in the Springfield area: Fremont, Pleasant Home, and most recently, Hamlin.

At the time of her death, Florence resided at Maranatha Village in Springfield. Her family is grateful for the thoughtful care she received there, and to the staff of Mercy Hospital and Integrity Hospice for their kindness during her final days.

Florence will be buried privately in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.