Berniece Alms, 78, Ava, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2005, in her home. Berniece was born Nov. 19, 1926, in Braden, Okla., the daughter of Rufus Benjamin and Dottie Victoria (Perrin) Pendleton. On Nov. 29, 1945, she was united in marriage to Murrell F. Alms, and to this union one daughter and one son were born.
Berniece and Murrell owned and operated Alm’s Garage in Ava for over 40 years. She also worked several years at Emerson Electric, retiring in 1991. She then worked on the SCSEP program for the U. S. Forest Service until February of 2005.
Berniece had tireless energy caring for her family and special care for Murrell’s mother Addy in their home until her passing. She had a big heart for all animals, especially Murrell and Rodney’s dogs and Marilyn’s cats. Berniece was a remarkably vibrant and vital woman who comforted many people with her homemade potato soup.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents; one infant daughter, Brinda Kay; two brothers; and three sisters.
Berniece is survived by her husband of 59 years, Murrell; one son, Rodney, and wife, Marilyn, of Ava; one sister, Juanita Clement, of Tuscumbia, Mo.; other caring relatives and many good friends.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 1, at the Ava Cemetery, under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ava, with Rev. James Orick officiating.
An open visitation was held Sunday, July 31, between the hours of 3-4 p.m. in the Barnes Chapel.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Douglas County Historical Society, c/o Barnes Family Funeral Home, PO Box 65, Ava, MO 65608.
