Myrlene J. Heldenbrand

Myrlene J. Heldenbrand - age 91 of Gallatin, MO passed away Tuesday evening, July 23, 2024, at Cameron Regional Medical Center in Cameron. Myrlene was born on September 8, 1932, the daughter of Arthur Raymond and Lena Viola (Green) Farr in rural Polo, MO. She was a 1950 graduate of New York High School. She was a member of Gallatin First Baptist Church and was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Myrlene was united in marriage to Wilburn Looney in March of 1951, in rural Hamilton, MO and to this union two children were born. Wilburn passed away in 1968. Myrlene married Reuben Heldenbrand in January 1975, in Kidder, MO. She and Wilburn fostered children during their marriage and later her and Reuben also became foster parents. She fostered and loved countless children over the years. Myrlene worked as a bookkeeper at Lynch's Super Market and auctioneer, Donald Bowman. She was also the longtime secretary at the First Baptist Church of Gallatin.  Myrlene and Reuben loved to travel together to Hawaii, the Bahamas, Spain, Africa and around the United States. Myrlene was active in serving others. She went on two mission trips, one to Haiti and the other to Wyoming. She taught Sunday School for many years, from grade school age to young married couples, also known as the Koinonia Class. Myrlene volunteered doing Meals On Wheels and at the Senior Center. She also was a 4H leader for a time. She enjoyed gardening, particularly with Reuben. Myrlene will be dearly missed by her family and friends. 

Myrlene was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Wilburn in 1968 and Reuben in 2010 and grandchild, Andrew Hood. She is survived by her children, Renee Hood (Ron) of Gallatin, MO, David Looney (Shawna) of Cabot, AR; stepsons, Raymond Heldenbrand (Susan) of Winston, MO, and Richard Heldenbrand; grandchildren, Christina Williams (Shawn) of Elmo, MO and Levi Looney of Beebe, AR.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Gallatin or the Active Aging Resource Center in care of the funeral home. A service celebrating Myrlene's life will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 27, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Gallatin. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service also at the church. Friends may call from 11 AM to 5 PM, Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Polo, MO. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin (660) 663-2117. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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