Marie Shrum

Marie Shrum - age 97 of Cowgill, MO passed away Tuesday evening, May 26, 2026, at her home in Cowgill. Marie was born on February 20, 1929, in Cowgill, the daughter of George Arthur and Antha Florence (Hicks) Burns. She graduated from Polo High School in 1946 and later attended Chillicothe Business School. On December 20, 1947, Marie married Fredric Shrum, in Cowgill. Marie worked at the Caldwell County Courthouse and the shoe factory in Hamilton. She worked in the Polo School cafeteria from 1964 until her retirement in 1993. She was also a dedicated farm wife and homemaker.

Marie was a member of the Cowgill United Methodist Church and a dedicated member of Acacia Chapter # 42 for 75 years. She served as Worthy Matron, Secretary, Martha, District Deputy Grand Matron in 1973, and Grand Representative to Pennsylvania.

She loved sewing and  made clothes for her children and family. She could crochet almost anything and found joy in caring for the many animals she raised on the farm, including peacocks, wild turkeys, ducks, and geese. She was a devoted 4-H sewing leader, an excellent baker, and was especially known for her homemade pies.
Marie will be remembered for her warm smile, strong work ethic, kind and gentle spirit. She touched many lives through her kindness, talents, and unwavering love for her family. Marie will be dearly missed by her family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fredric Shrum; brothers, Emmett Burns, Carl Burns, Basil Burns, Ray Burns, Bob Burns, and an infant brother; and brother-in-law, Ben Shrum; son-in-law, Greg Nees and great-grandson, Owen Nees. She is survived by daughters, Linda Cain (LeRoy) of Polo, MO and Judy Nees of Richmond, MO; grandchildren, Lee Ann Cain of Polo, MO, Lydia Baker (Brett) of Belton, MO, Adam Cain (Amy) of Polo, MO, and Corey Nees (Annaleigh) of Loranger, LA; great-grandchildren, Aden, Rose, Victoria, Mathias, Zavier, Emma, Ebin, Mason, Mario, Nelda, Naomi, and Myron; and one great-great-grandchild, Zakiah; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Order of the Eastern Star Acacia Chapter #42,  Caldwell County Nutrition Center or the Cowgill Cemetery in care of the funeral home. A service celebrating Marie's remarkable life will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, June 1, 2026, at Stith Funeral Home in Polo, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Sunday, the evening prior also at the funeral home. Friends may call after 2:00 PM Sunday.  Burial will follow the services at Cowgill Cemetery, south east of Cowgill. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Polo (660) 354-2214. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marie Shrum, please visit our floral store.