Norene DeGase

Ava, Missouri

Genevieve Norene DeGase, 101 years, 1 month, and 5 days old, passed away to her heavenly home on September 6, 2026, at Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mountain Grove, Missouri.

Norene was born July 31, 1925, in Ava, Missouri to Chester G. and Rosa (Ludwig) Robertson. She grew up in the Ava community and went to the Ava schools.

On November 7, 1942, Norene and Thomas DeGase were united in marriage in Ava, Missouri. They had a wonderful life together and were able to accomplish many things. He passed away on October 7, 1984.

Norene worked in retail sales and was an Artist. She loved crafting, quilting, needle point, and painting portraits in oil. In addition she loved her cats. Norene owned and operated the store, Trash & Treasures in Ava.

She was a Christian and a devoted member of the Liberty Faith Bible Church in Norwood, Missouri for several years. There she taught at the Church Academy School for 12 years. She had the opportunity to go on a trip to Israel and it was such a highlight in her life.

Norene loved life and lived it to the fullest. It is amazing the Lord made her so strong and that she lived to be 101.

Norene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas, her brother, Vernon Eugene Robertson; her step-father, Gilbert Huffman; a niece, Gail Tiedeman; her uncles, Sherman Blaine, “Grit” (Virgil), and “Shorty” (Lemuel Paul) Robertson; aunts, Iva Ludwig; and Jessie Purtle.

She is survived by her many relatives; niece, Pat Stovall; nephews, Vernon Eugene Robertson, Jr. and Kevin Robertson and many others; her cousins, Naomi Porter, Nettie Hicks, and Nina McCleary; and a host of other extended family and friends.

Funeral services for Norene will be Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, Missouri with burial following in the Ava Cemetery. Officiating will be Pastor Reg Kelly. Norene requested memorials be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.