Florence Louise (Swope) Fritts

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Florence Louise (Swope) Fritts, 90, passed away Sunday morning, April 10, 2016, in her sleep at her home in Nevada, Mo.

Florence was born in the small community of Panama, south of Rich Hill, Mo., on Feb. 19, 1926, the daughter of Jacob Harold and Gazella Marie (Quaiatto) Swope. She graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1943. Florence married Jess Rite Fritts on Dec. 1, 1945, and enjoyed 55 years of marriage until his death in 2000.

She is survived by three sons, Harold Fritts and his wife, Eva, Jim fritts and his wife, Donna, and Larry Fritts and his wife, Suzanne; three daughters, Alice Boehs and her husband, Arthur, Susan Cox and her husband, Jarrott, and Peggy Willers; 26 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Charles Swope and Leslie Swope. She was preceded in death by one son, Charles Fritts; one son-in-law, Duane Willers; three grandchildren, Kevin Jacobs, Kevin Cox, and Dawna Young; and two special nephews, John and Bob Fritts.

Florence worked at Nelly Don and retired from the Nevada Regional Medical Center after 23 years. In her retirement years you could see her red car zooming around town delivering flowers, newspapers, and deli sandwiches.

She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. Her presence at school programs, sporting events and more than 50 years of 4-H activities for her children and grandchildren was the delight of her life. She will be remembered for love of family, her sewing skills and sending birthday and anniversary cards to every family member on their special day.

The family will have a private graveside service on Thursday, April 14.

Friends are invited to greet the family at a come-and-go to share laughter and memories of "Grandma Fritts" from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, April 14, in the Nevada United Methodist Church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Vernon County Youth Fair or Alzheimer's Association.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.