Lois Isabell Smart, Neasham, Auldridge was born on May 30, 1929 near Iconium, MO. to George Herman and Odessa Maude (Smith) Smart. She was the second youngest of nine children. She passed away March 12, 2012 at her home while surrounded by her loving family.
The family lived on their farm in Missouri until 1943 when they moved to California in order for her father to help care for his ailing sister. While living in California, she met a handsome sailor, Stewart Andrew (Tod) Neasham. They married on September 29, 1945, To this union two children were born. A daughter, Sandra Eliese, on June 27, 1946 and a son, Ralph Keller, on Nov. 17, 1947.
The family owned a chicken ranch in Yucaipa, CA. tending 3,000 laying hens. In 1954, Lois and Tod began working in a new business called ‘Tupperware’ promoting the home party plan. They moved to Wisconsin opening the state to Tupperware as part of a nation wide expansion. Illness forced Lois to leave Tupperware and return to CA. before moving to Warner Robbins, GA. for a time where Tod worked on the Air Force base as a civil servant.
After Tod retired, the family moved back to Missouri, where Lois had been born and much of her family resided. They bought a run down farm house on 162 acres. Over the next several years, they lovingly restored and added to their home and farm buildings. Both Lois and Tod loved hosting their extensive family and friends whether it be for a meal or an extended stay. Lois was a wonderful gardener. She loved growing both flowers and vegetables. She sewed, making curtains, and other things for her home, as well as clothes for the children and grandchildren. She canned and filled her freezer and cellar with wonderful food, which she then use to fabulous meals. Her dried flowers were beautiful and graced the homes of many friends and family members. A couple of extra special gifts she created include a quilt that she and Tod hand stitched, together. When finished, they embroidered outlines of their hands and the date on a square, creating a priceless heirloom for their children. Another such gift was a pair of moccasins made by hand from deer skin, for every immediate family member. A total of 12 pair. Lois was a true Proverbs 31 virtuous woman!
Lois began a career in the life insurance business in 1980. She worked hard and was very successful. She won many trips, allowing her and Tod to travel extensively, including trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, and other vacation spots.
Tod was killed in a traffic accident in 1985. Lois was married Dec. 31, 1986 to James Luther Auldridge. They were married until Jim died from lung cancer Jan. 11, 2003.
She came to know Jesus as her personal savior when she was 13. She loved the Lord and served him in many ways. She taught Sunday school, fixed floral arrangements for the sanctuary, worked tirelessly in the kitchen and helped for years in vacation Bible school. Her greatest desire is that all of her family should be saved.
Lois was preceded in death by both husbands, her parents, four brothers, and two sisters.
She is survived by her children, Ralph (Joy) Neasham, Napoleon, MO. and Sandra (Frank) Ordonio, Warsaw, MO., A step-daughter, Trisha Castle, (Mike) Hendersonville, TN., seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, two sisters, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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