Johanna Bexten

Johanna "Toots" Bexten, age 93, of Rich Fountain, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 28, 2018, at Westphalia Hills, surrounded by her family. Toots was born October 6, 1925, in Freeburg, a daughter to the late Peter and Anna (Bock) Ruder. She attended Holy Family Catholic School in Freeburg. On July 9, 1947, she was united in marriage to Alfred Bexten in Freeburg. He preceded her in death on May 27, 1990. Toots was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain, Quilting Circle, St. Ann's Ladies Sodality, Jolly Workers, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit #317 of Freeburg. She enjoyed playing cards, Scrabble and a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan. Her biggest passion was holding babies. Toots had a heart of gold and was always sharing her love with three simple words, "I love you". Toots is survived by: one son, David Bexten and his wife Patty of Rich Fountain; one daughter, Geralyn Kleffner and her husband Randolph of Rich Fountain; one sister, Virginia Luebbert of Westphalia; one sister-in-law, Stella Bexten of Manilla, Iowa; 10 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and spouse of 42 years, she was preceded in death by: four infant sons and four infant daughters; four brothers, Vincent, Gerard, Sylvester and Bernard Ruder; and three sisters, Mary Ruder, Matilda Eisterhold and Emma Rehagen. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain with a Prayer Service at 3:30 p.m. and an American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain with Fr. William Debo as the celebrant. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Sacred Heart Quilting Circle, St. Ann's Sodality or Sacred Heart School. Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Mo. (573-897-2214) www.mortonchapel.com