Evelyn Stottlemyre

Evelyn Alice Stottlemyre, 97, of Bolivar Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022, surrounded by her family.

She was born July 5th, 1925, in Grundy County Missouri, the daughter of Floyd and Cecile (Elliott) Dennis.

Alice started out her life with an entrepreneurial spirit. As a young girl she sold a cow to her father many times. Every time he obliged and paid her again…for the cow he gave her. This favorite childhood story, she often told at family gatherings, instilled a great gift and desire in Alice. That gift was having an industrious nature and natural knack for business. Which would prove to serve her well her entire life.

During World War II, Alice lived with her sisters in Kansas City, Missouri where she worked in a warehouse assembling planes for the war. She was basically Rosie the Riveter. Kansas City was where Alice met Grover in a dance hall.

Alice and Grover married in the winter of 1944. It was a very small wedding and Alice wore a red pants suit. Alice and Grover quickly became business and investment partners. From S and H Energy Savers to Truck Harbor (and many other businesses and investments in between) they spent their lives investing and were never one to turn down a challenge.

In 1945 their son Phil came along on 11/12/1945. Alice and Grover went on to have two more children: Pam born on 6/23/48, and Patty born on 8/05/56.

Alice was always a hard worker and reliable. During the winter of 1957 Grover became badly injured in a truck accident. This left Alice to support the family and return to working outside the home as Grover recovered. She did this with grace, tenacity, and confidence. Though she would tell her family many years later she considered herself too old at the time to be going back to work, which they all found very humorous.

Alice’s family was important to her and no one could ever doubt her love for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren. She was a pillar to the family and many relied on her their entire life.

The family describes Alice as: adventurous, compassionate, funny, generous, and strong-willed. As they recount thousands of fond memories. From Florida trips to lunch after church on Sunday Alice made everything so much fun.

Alice enjoyed church (a member of Open Hearts United Methodist Church of Bolivar for 60 years), dancing (you could find her at the local dancing halls almost every night!), traveling, holidays, and having fun with family and friends.

Alice will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her. She will be so deeply missed by family and friends who loved her their entire life. They know she’s now dancing in heaven and reuniting with friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Cecile; her husband, Grover Stottlemyre; her daughter, Pam Bair; her grandchild, Bret Stottlemyre; and her sisters, Ruthie, Margie, and Francie.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Phil Stottlemyre and Patty McCracken; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and nieces and other extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Evelyn's life will be on Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 at Open Heart United Methodist Church, in Bolivar Missouri, with Pastor David Collum presiding over services. Visitation will be from noon-1pm, followed by services, and a meal at the church after for fellowship.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.