DeEtta Atherton

Ava, Missouri

DeEtta Vernice Atherton, 87 years, 7 months, 2 days old, passed away on July 14, 2024, at Heart of the Ozarks with her family by her side.

DeEtta was born December 12, 1936, in Toledo, MO in Ozark County to Harold John and Ollie May (DeGase) Burkdoll.

She was married to Russell Hamby and together were blessed with two children, Dedra and Bruce. He proceded her in death.  A few years later, while she was working as a Nurses Assistant at Chastains Nursing Home in Ava, she met Robert Atherton and they were united in marriage. They were married for approximately 35 years. She enjoyed gardening, her flowers, and being outdoors.

She and her husband attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Ava.

DeEtta was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Russell Hamby; a daughter, Dedra Hartgraves; her brothers, Eldon and John Lowell Burkdoll, Sr., and Deward Turner; and her sister, Doris Burkdoll.

DeEtta is survived by her husband, Robert "Bob" Atherton; a son, Bruce Hamby; grandchildren; great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Cremation services for DeEtta are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO. Her cremains will be buried at a later date in the Murray Cemetery near her family at her request.