Edna Maurine Bluhm, 97

Edna Maurine Bluhm, 97, of Smithton, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at her home.

Maurine was born October 14, 1915, in Clifton City, MO, daughter of the late John Armstead and Bessie Leona (Cordry) Streit. She was married to Bernarr Bluhm on December 31, 1939. Bernarr preceded her in death in 1952. They had two sons, Terry Allen, who died in infancy, and Bernarr Vincent "Jack," who passed away July 22, 2007. Jack had special needs and Maurine was very devoted to him and took wonderful care of him throughout his life.

Maurine attended and graduated from Boonville High School. She attended Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO, and Teacher College in Warrensburg, MO. She was a teacher until her marriage to Bernarr and then she worked with him in Bluhm Lumber and Hardware store in Smithton. After his death, she became owner and manager of the store and celebrated 65 years in business in 2004.

Maurine was a member of Smithton United Methodist Church and was very active in the church and in the Smithton Community. She loved working in her flowers and continued to do so until the last year of her life. Maurine is survived by cousins and many, many friends that loved her.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Heckart Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jason Veale officiating. Casket bearers will be Tim Alley, Karl Kasak, Delbert Smith, David Lewis, Danny Lewis and Bill Wagenknecht. Honorary bearers will be Geneva Beard, Betty Cook, Sue Goode, Melissa Hayworth, Shirley Hayworth, Barbara Kasak, Darlene Lewis, Lisa Lewis Alexander, Marsha Miyashiro and Patty Wagenknecht.

Burial will be in Smithton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time Thursday at Heckart Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Smithton United Methodist Church.