Lena Tatum

Lena Tatum, 92, of Ozark, died early Thursday at her farm near Selmore, where she had lived her entire life. The daughter of Faires and Elma (Sims) Tatum, she was born Jan. 24, 1918 at the family farm homesteaded in the mid-1800s by her great-great-grandparents. A graduate of Ozark High School, Lena was employed at the general store at Selmore and at her sister's market in Nixa before taking responsibility for the family home when her mother died in 1940. She made a home for and cared for her father until his death at age 90 in 1972 and lived alone on the farm thereafter, a devoted sister and sister-in-law, beloved aunt to three generations and friend to countless neighbors and members of her church. Lena was secretary/treasurer at Selmore Christian Church for more than 70 years, taking responsibility also for the care and cleaning of the church for much of that time. Her dedication to the church and the community's affection for her were celebrated with a 90th birthday party attended by hundreds at the church in 2008. Aunt Lena was a superb cook, whether she was feeding a nephew, a threshing crew or a family Thanksgiving for 40 in her four-room home. She kept the cookie jar, the pantry and two refrigerators stocked at all times, prepared for a continuous stream of hungry visitors. Impeccably dressed and quiet in public, she donned overalls and work boots every day for 30 years to milk cows by hand alongside her father. She could drive hogs, feed chickens and pluck geese as well as nurture flowers and a vegetable garden, sew clothing for herself and others, piece and hand-stitch quilts, crochet afghans and knit baby blankets - dozens of them. Most of all, Lena was a patient and positive spirit in a world of hurry and worry. She always had time for friends and family, made as little fuss as possible and tried to leave things better than she found them. She will be missed, but also remembered with love and gratitude. Lena was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Eula Tatum and Merle Glenn; brothers Neal, Lowell, Loren, Lester and Huber Tatum; niece Yvonne Tatum and nephew Keith Tatum. She is survived by sister-in-law Betty Tatum; nieces Beth Tatum and Lee Ann Day; nephews Joe Tatum, Ed Glenn, Bil Tatum and Carroll Wayne Tatum; great-nieces Shyra and Skyler Tatum, Tara Lane, Amanda French and Michelle Glenn; great-nephews Erin, Tahd, Kyle, Caleb, Steve, Jeff, Dan, Clint and Rex Tatum, Bryan Day and Mark Glenn; more than a dozen great-great-nieces and nephews, and cousin Lanford Kerr. The family is grateful for the kindness and attention of caregivers Gaye Bryant and Becky Blades, friends and neighbors Janet Payne, Wilda Micham and Kehaulani Gerhard, as well as the invaluable assistance of medical staff, including Seasons Hospice nurse Donna and aides Diane and Tara. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at Selmore Christian Church, under the direction of Adams Funeral Home of Ozark.