Lauraine Medlen

Lauraine (Byers) Medlen, 90, of Mexico, Mo., formerly of California, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2010, at Golden Living Center-Pin Oaks in Mexico, Mo. She was born on June 19, 1920, in Denver, Colo., to Porter H. and Ethel L. (Green) Byers. She grew up in her native Colorado and graduated from North Denver High School in 1938 and worked for the telephone company. She met Missouri cattleman, Clyde R. Medlen during World War II; they married on December 23, 1942. Following the war they lived in Denver, but settled in Missouri in 1946. Lauraine was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. Lauraine was known for her talents in cooking, crafts, music, teaching and encouraging. Her gift of hospitality was unsurpassed. She made everyone feel welcome in her home. In May of 2000 she received a resolution of appreciation from the Missouri Senate. She was a member of High Point Baptist Church where she served as the organist for over 40 years. Her accomplishments were extraordinary and varied, but her greatest contribution was in the spiritual realmóshe made certain each of her children came to know the Lord. Her legacy will last; we will rise up and call her blessed. She and her husband raised five children, David and wife Beverly of Mattaponi, Va., Don and wife Margie of Topeka, Kan., John and wife Karen of Newburg, Mo., Janey and husband Terry Braudrick of Dallas, Texas, and Brenda and husband John Cauthorn of Mexico, Mo. She is also survived by one brother, John Gordon and wife Sharon Byers of Cortez, Colo.; 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one sister and two brothers. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2010, at 3:00 p.m., at High Point Baptist Church. Burial will be in High Point Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Rod Campbell, assisted by Rev. Glenn Golden. Visitation will also be on Sunday, October 3, 2010 from 1:30 p.m. ñ 3:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to High Point Baptist Church or High Point Cemetery, c/o Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, 100 S. Oak, California, MO 65018; World Impact on behalf of Inner City St. Louis Missionary Andrew Medlen, c/o World Impact, Account 3210, 2001 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90007; Heart of God Ministries on behalf of West African Missionary Aaron Medlen, c/o Heart of God Ministries, Account 0235, 3720 S. Hiwassee Road, Choctaw, OK 73020; or donorís choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California, Mo.