Mae Ochsner

Mrs. Mae Floreine "Flossie" Ochsner, age 95 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Monday, October 10, 2011, at St. Joseph's Bluffs. Flossie was born August 7, 1916, in Cantril, Iowa, the daughter of Leslie and Leana Davis Shaw. She was married on June 13, 1941, in Jefferson City, Mo., to Hugo B. "Swede" Ochsner, who preceded her death on June 17, 1995. While she was born in southern Iowa, she grew up in Downing, Mo. where the Shaws owned a general store. Flossie always spoke of what a happy childhood she and her older brother had there. She graduated from high school, went to business school and moved to Jefferson City to work for state government. Flossie worked at Schnider's Men's Wear in downtown Jefferson City. The store was owned by her husband and his step-father, Arnold Schnider. She worked as a bookkeeper and clerk during that time. While they did not have any children of their own, they were "second parents" to many of their relatives and friend's children and played an active role in their lives. These now grown children benefitted from their care and greatly appreciate all the care and love that Swede and Flossie shared with them. Flossie was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church but also enjoyed attending services with friends at their churches as well. Flossie enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of several bridge clubs. She was also a member of the Jefferson City Country Club and was an avid golfer for many years, and she played bridge and golf well into her 80's. She contributed to her community but tended to do it in a quieter way than many. She and her husband enjoyed traveling and visiting with their many friends and family across the United States as well as those closer to home. She enjoyed cooking and loved caring for her lawn and gardening prior to moving to Oak Tree Villa. She later moved to Heisinger Bluffs and St. Joseph's Bluffs. What she will be remembered most for, however, was her incredibly positive outlook on life, her ability to look for the good in people as well was her ability to connect with them. This was evident until the end of her life in spite of a lengthy illness. Survivors include: her brother-in-law, George E. Morse of Jefferson City, Mo.; two goddaughters as well as many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews who live across the United States. Flossie was preceded in death by several members of the family in the Jefferson City area including Arnold and Elizabeth Schnider, her in-laws; Betty Schnider, her sister-in-law; and her husband of 54 years, Hugh B. Ochsner. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 14, 2011. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 14, 2011, in the Freeman Chapel with Chaplain Jim Mueller officiating. Interment will be at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the Shriners Childrens Hospital, St. Louis, Mo. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com