Neva LaVern Stauffer, age 90, Springfield, MO passed away on September 21, 2020. Visitation will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home South, on Thursday, September 24 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A celebration of life service will be held next spring in Cherokee, OK. Memorial fund donations may be made to: Friends of the Garden at 2400 South Scenic Avenue in Springfield, MO 65807.
Neva was born on May 29, 1930. One of seven children born to Charlie and Lena Base in Garden City, KS. Although she was a secretary, teacher, and social worker in her earlier years, her most treasured titles in life were Wife, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Daughter, Sister, and Aunt. Neva was all about family, all the time.
Neva is survived by her children, Marc Stauffer of Springfield, MO; Scot Stauffer of Purdy, MO; Michael (and Lynn) Stauffer of Springfield, MO, Michelle (and Scott) McReynolds of Nixa, MO. 6 grandkids, Brandon McReynolds of San Diego, CA; Heather (and Stephen) Altizer of Lakewood, CO; Julian Stauffer (and Sarah) of Gardner, KS; Bryan (and Tiffany) Stauffer of Springfield, MO; Elizabeth (and Joe) Cassidy of Grandview, MO; and Jordan Yoder of Springfield, MO. Seven great-grands, Oliva, Layla, Marcus, Zoe, Oliver, Penelope, and Emery. One sister, Vivian Gaylord of Lee’s Summit, MO; two brothers, Leroy (and Pat) Base of Kingsman, KS, Clayton Base of Concord, OK. A slew of nieces and nephews. Neva is preceded in death by her loving husband, Lawrence; grandson, Austin Dean Stauffer; parents; and 3 sisters, Luella Auten, Velma Base, and Evelyn Renfro.
Neva enjoyed cooking recipes, Pre-Microwave, that was given to her by family and friends, then passing them down to others. She was never afraid to try something new, but loved the old favorites, and always had freshly baked cookies ready and waiting for us after school. Later in life, after we were all grown and on our own, if an offer to go out and eat should arise….off went the oven and out the door her and dad would go!
We are all, to say the least, spoiled when it comes to her love and compassion. A heart that flowed out from her hands, a servant through and through. Always holding, consoling, encouraging, and yes, shaking a finger in discipline, but never for long. At the end of the day, Neva made sure everyone had a place to stay and always asked if you needed something before laying down to sleep.
Mom, we are happy, healthy, full, and loved. Often thinking of our childhood prayer and final words together every night…..
“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, if I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. God bless mommy and daddy, Marc and Scot, Michael and Michelle. Amen.”
“Good-night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite. Sweet dreams!”
“Hey, mom, can I have a glass of water?”
“Oh, you kidlet! I’ll be right back.”
Hugs and Kisses. We love you with all our hearts.