Melva Alvena Muenks

Mrs. Melva Alvena Muenks, age 94 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Monday, September 7, 2015, at her home surrounded by family. She was born on March 14, 1921, in Red Bud, Mo., a daughter of Joe and Girtha (Scantlin) Tynes. She was married on February 8, 1941, in Jefferson City to Leonard H. Muenks. A lifelong resident of the Central Missouri area, Melva graduated from Dixie (a one room schoolhouse) in Maries County. A homemaker, Melva was a devoted military wife, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a good friend. She taught her family how to live life to the fullest and was always there to support them. She was a skilled seamstress, always making clothes and gifts for her family and friends. Survivors include: three children, Leonard G. Muenks, of Jefferson City, Mo., Patricia Ann Gomes (husband Norbert) of Redondo Beach, Calif.; and Caroll David Muenks (wife Barbara) of Bluffton, S.C.; 10 grandchildren, Michelle Muenks, Andrea Balkenbush, Chris Muenks and Scott Muenks, all of Jefferson City, Mo., Amanda Lutes of Plano, Texas, Nicole Joseph of Redondo Beach, Calif.; Deborah Schieffelin of Orlando, Fla., Jacqueline Setnicka, Pensacola, Fla., Marcella Holland, Tampa, Fla. and Justin Muenks, Yucaipa, Calif.; 24 great-grandchildren, Logan Kliethermes, Alexandra Kliethermes, John D. Balkenbush, Faith Balkenbush, Grace Muenks, Alyssa Muenks, Kelsie Shipp, Coralie Srejma, Arianna Muenks, Ethan Muenks, Eli Muenks, Elliott Muenks, Toran Lutes, Aries Lutes, Shawna Joseph, Mitchell Joseph, Samantha Schieffelin, Benjamin Schieffelin, Ava Setnicka, Laci Setnicka, Matthew Holland, Ashley Holland, Jenna Muenks and Janelle Muenks; and two great-great-grandchildren, Carson Srejma and Alex Srejma. She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Leonard, on January 13, 2005; brother, Virgil Tynes; and sisters, Eula Tipton, Delpha Tipton and Eliza Doyel. Visitation was held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:30 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2015, with a prayer service conducted at 4:00 PM in the Freeman Chapel. Graveside services and entombment were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2015, in the Chapel of the Mausoleum of Resurrection Cemetery with the Reverend I.C. Medina officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to High Gate Cemetery, Inc. A cause Alvena supported throughout her life. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com