Obituary of Lois B. Crites

Lois Beatrice (Hovis) Crites, age 90, was born on January 14, 1927 in Elvins, Missouri and departed this life on May 8, 2017 in Salem, MO. Her parents were James A. and Jessie (Tinker) Hovis. She married the only man that she had ever kissed, Everett C. Crites, on February 17, 1945 in Perryville, Mo. Of this union, there are three children and their spouses. They are Regina and Lloyd Hinkle of Harriman, TN, Richard and Mary Ann Crites of Greenville, MO, and Gaye Lynn and Ronald Blankenship of Dent County, MO. Grandchildren are Jeffrey A. Hinkle, Tara and Michael Miller, Matthew and Elaine Hinkle, Bethany and Jason Hopp, Miranda and Joshua Young, Amber and Matthew Sturgeon, Leslie Pope, and Amanda and Ron Sutton. Her great grandchildren are Athena, Nicholas, and Tony Hood; Melody and Loren Robert Hopp; Maya Young; Lucy Hinkle; Cooper, Parker, and Mia Sturgeon; and Thatcher Sutton. In addition, there are many other adults and children that thought of her as their mother and grandmother as she loved them and cared for them as her own. They were all precious to her.

Lois and her husband owned and operated several businesses throughout the years including grocery stores in Perryville, Piedmont, Annapolis, and Greenville. Additionally, she served God and her neighbors in the capacity of minister's spouse. She believed that education was important and always encouraged others to further their education. As a child, she attended rural schools around Perryville and in southeast Missouri. As an adult, she attended college in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas and the University of Arkansas in Jonesboro.

Lois loved traveling and toured Europe four times including Rome, Italy; Paris, France; Frankfurt,Germany, and many other countries and cities. She also visited Caracus, Venezuela; Mexico City,Mexico; Canada, and most of the continental U.S. She shared her travel experiences and leadership skills with churches and organizations during her long life. She was a member of the Federated Women's Club and the Southern Baptist Women's Missionary Union along with many other organizations during her long life. She served as an officer including president and was a gracious host.

First and foremost Lois was a child of God. She accepted Christ as a young adult, faithfully attended church throughout her life, and was passionate about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. She was a long- time Baptist having supported her husband's ministry everywhere he was called: Alexander Baptist Church in northeast Arkansas, East Bonne Terre Baptist Church, and Bethlehem Baptist Church, Ellington, MO along with other congregations in which she taught God's word and lead by example. After Everett's retirement, they worshiped at the First Baptist Church, Oak Ridge, TN, the First Baptist Church, Licking, MO, and the First Baptist Church in Piedmont, MO. After Everett'sdeath, she worshiped with her children as she made her home with them. In the last few years, she regularly attended the Anutt and Mount Hermon United Methodist Churches near Salem, MO. Lois enjoyed religious education, bible study, and missions. She was a prayer warrior who trusted that God would care for her and supply her every need.

Her husband, Everett, preceded her in death as did her parents and siblings. In addition to immediate family, there are remaining nieces and nephews that have been special throughout the years. Especially precious in recent years, was her brother Freeman's daughter, Lois Hovis Lilly, who visited often.  Mrs. Crites will be missed by her family, friends, and remaining brothers and sisters in Christ.

Memorial service is planned for Thursday, May 11 2017 at Fox Funeral Home in Licking, MO. The gathering of family and friends will begin at 6:00 pm with service following at 7:00. Inurnment will be at the Yount Lutheran Church Cemetery in Yount, MO at a later date. Now, her soul is in glory with the heavenly host praising God for evermore.

Memorial contributions may be made to MO Baptist Children’s Home or Shepherds Nook in Salem, MO.