Maurine Bernita Spain

Maurine Bernita Spain, 93, Nevada, formerly of Richards, Mo., passed away Monday, Dec. 13, 2004, at Nevada Regional Medical Center, Nevada, following an illness of several weeks. She was born Nov. 26, 1911, in Strasburg, Mo., to George Hortleder and Thecla Brecklein Hortleder. She married Robert Thomas Spain on Dec. 23, 1934. He preceded her in death on Jan. 9, 1999.

Mrs. Spain was born in Strasburg, Mo., but moved to Vernon County at age one. She attended elementary schools in the area and later the new Metz High School where she graduated valedictorian. She then attended one year of college at the University of Missouri. Following her marriage, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the United States Department of Agriculture for a number of years during the Great Depression. She lived at various locations in the Midwest before returning to Vernon County in 1963. She and her husband entered the purebred charlois business and traveled extensively showing cattle. In 1998, they were inducted into the Charlois Hall of Fame. She was keenly interested in all aspects of the business world, remained current, and vigilant to her final days. She has lived in Nevada the past six years.

Mrs. Spain is survived by one daughter, Phyllis Netherton, Richards, Mo.; two grandsons, Jim Netherton and his wife, Kristin, Richards, Mo., and Jeff Netherton, Richards, Mo.; and one great-grandchild, Landon Joseph Netherton, Richards, Mo.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with John Nichols officiating. A private committal will follow in East Liberty Cemetery, Richards, Mo. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Those who wish may contribute to the ALS Foundation in care of Ferry Funeral Home.