Elva Marie (Detherage) Dixon Kester
Ava, MO

Elva Marie (Detherage) Dixon Kester was born January 12, 1912 and departed this life December 11, 2010 at the age of 98. On June 25, 1930 she married Roper Dixon. To this blessed union three children were born; Donald Eugene, an infant son and Bobby Gene Dixon. Roper and Elva were faithful servants of God. Roper was a Freewill Baptist Minister, ordained in 1955. Roper passed away March 5, 1978. During their ministry and after Roper passed away, Elva taught Sunday School class, was clerk of the Douglas County Quarterly Meeting, and a charter member of the Friendship Freewill Baptist Church. She enjoyed singing, her flowers, fishing and camping and spending time with her family. Elva was an adoring mother and a wonderful grandmother.


In February 1984, Elva married Cecil Kester. He passed away in May 1992.

Preceeding her in death was her parents, Dave and Myrtle Detherage, two brothers, Lonzo and Ray, sister, Hazel Roy, her husband Roper, grandson David Dixon, and her three sons. Although Donald and her infant son were only with her a short time, she and Bob had a close relationship until his death in November 2006.


Survivors include a sister, Ivona Pierson, faithful daughter-in-law Vera Dixon, seven grandchildren – Marvin Dixon and family of Eureka, MO, Penny McNeill and family of Whitewater, KS, Tiffany Jones and family of Springfield, MO, and Helen Batten & Family, Donna Dixon, Michael Dixon and Family and Tamara Camp and family, all of Ava. These families include 15 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren and a host of other relatives.

Services for Elva will be Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010, 10:00 a.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO with burial following in the Dyer Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Officiating will be Rev. Ronnie Turner.

In lieu of flowers – donations to Hospice Compassus of Mountain Grove or Wright County Children's Home.