Obituaries

Elaine Derendinger

Elaine May Derendinger, 83, of Franklin, Mo., passed away on Monday morning, May 14, 2012, at her home. Elaine May Derendinger was born in Cooper County May 21, 1928, the daughter of Arthur L. Rassmussen and Della Theiss Rassmussen. She graduated from Boonville High School in 1946. She married George Carl Derendinger Dec. 28, 1946, and they are the parents of five children. Elaine was a gifted writer who had many articles, poems, and short stories published in various magazines and newspapers. She served as president of the state and local writers' guild and was a member of the Columbia writers' guild. Elaine was an avid reader who passed that passion on to her children. She was a staunch supporter of the local library. Elaine and her husband, George, with their son, Daniel, owned and operated Derendinger Furniture in Boonville for 41 years. The business is still operated at the same location. She was also an accomplished seamstress and quilter. She was a member of the Howard County Historical Society and along with her husband, restored her home, 'Cedar Grove' to its original condition. She was a member of the New Franklin United Church of Christ. Elaine had a pure joy for life and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, George, of the home; her children, Michael Lee Derendinger (Sharon) of Holts Summit, Mo., Daniel George Derendinger (Debi) of Boonville, Melody Jo Derendinger and Garry Francis of Boonville and Shelly Lynn Riehn (Mike) of Cassville, Mo., as well as her son-in-law, Steve Solomon of Boonville. Her sister, Alice Wendelton of Boonville, 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren also survive. Mrs. Derendinger was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Christy Mae Solomon and a brother, Howard Rassmussen. Visitation for Mrs. Derendinger will be held at Davis Funeral Chapel on Thursday, May 17, from 6 until 8:00 o'clock p.m. Funeral services will be held at Clarks Chapel Church on Friday morning at 10:30 with Rev. Coletta Eichenberger officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Boonville Library or to the D-n-D Animal Sanctuary, in Columbia.

Published May 15, 2012