IOLA FAY PITCHFORD KIRKPATRICK

Iola Fay Kirkpatrick passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2007, in Gainesville, MO. She was born September 15, 1914, at her parents' home in the Luna community, northeast of Gainesville, in Ozark County, to James and Jaretta Luna Pitchford, descendants of early pioneers to the Ozarks.
Ola grew up surrounded by a close-knit group of grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. She attended the one-room Luna schoolhouse. On May 14, 1932, she married Marvin Kirkpatrick. They became the parents of one child, Bonnie.
After the young family moved into town from the family farm, Ola first worked at Johnson's Store. When Arthur Beard, M.D., set up practice in Gainesville, she worked for him, helping to deliver babies, set broken bones, and sew up wounds. Later, she moved to Springfield where she worked as an assistant to Dr. Thomas Cochran at the Smith-Glynn-Calloway Clinic. Her years spent working in the clinic were some of the happiest of Ola's life.
Ola was very devoted to and proud of her family. She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Ebrite, of Gainesville. Grandchildren include Janet and Stan Taber of Wasola, and their children, Matthew Taber, Sarah and Sam Knopik, Emma and Lucinda Jane, and Susannah and Derek Alms and Wyatt; Greg Ebrite of Gainesville, and his son Coleman Ebrite and Veronica Gardner; and Kim and DeAnn Ebrite of Jefferson City, and Jessica and Kyle Ebrite and Jared Hays and daughter Bailey. In addition, she leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews who were very dear to her. Ola was preceeded in death by her parents, her sister, Noma Pendleton, her brother, Leonard Pitchford, and her son-in-law Joe Ebrite.
Funeral Services were held Friday, February 23, 2007 at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville with Ed Hawkins officiating. Burial followed at Smith Chapel Cemetery.