Beverly June McCallister

Beverly June McCallister, of Mountain Grove, passed away on Aug. 18, 2025, after battling cancer. She was born on Sep. 10, 1946, to the late Bert and Dorothy (Lathrom) Ellis in Rayborn. She was 78 years, 10 months, and 28 days old and was surrounded by the love of her family at the time of her passing. Beverly “Bev” was raised in the Green Mountain area, where she attended The Nations one-room schoolhouse. She walked daily to attend school. Growing up on the farm, she was not raised with many material possessions; however, she always felt abundantly blessed and cherished the values of family, community, and friendship. She was united in marriage to Ralph McCallister on June 10, 1963. Together, they ran the Manes gas station for a few years, prior to their lifelong careers at Fort Leonard Wood. They worked together at Fort Leonard Wood until Ralph’s passing in 2009. Bev showed a great work ethic but took great pride in being a mother to her children, LeAnna and Stacey. She and Ralph raised their children in the small community of Manes, where they would play softball with the kids. She attended Manes Baptist Church with the family, where she was saved and baptized. As much as she loved her role as a mother, and spending time with her many nieces and nephews, her heart was filled with joy spoiling her grandchildren. She would host them for sleepovers, take them on ice cream dates, and watch them ride their bikes on the dirt mounds at Fruit Station Dr. She found joy in the simplest pleasures, such as discovering treasures at yard sales and spending time with her beloved teacup poodle, Brady. In her later years, she had another poodle, Sadie, who would sit on her lap watching crime dramas. Bev found comfort in watching her favorite shows and westerns. Bev’s faith in Christ was important to her. It sustained her through the ups and downs of the years after Ralph's passing. She cherished attending church when her health allowed.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Dorothy Ellis; her husband, Ralph McCallister; her sister, Barbara Peacock; and her brother, Dean Ellis.  She is survived by her son, Stacey McCallister and wife, Ingrid, of Mountain Grove; her daughter, LeAnna Criswell and husband, Lee, of Lebanon; three grandchildren, Seth Criswell and wife, Brenda, Devon McCallister, and Noah McCallister and wife, Brooke; all of her beloved nieces and nephews on both sides of the family; and a host of other loving relatives, neighbors and friends who will miss her dearly.  Visitation for Beverly McCallister was held on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, from 10-11 a.m at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Funeral Services were at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home with Bro. Justin DeVries officiating. Song selections were “Church In The Wildwood,” “There Was Jesus” and “Blessed Assurance.” Those serving as pallbearers were Noah McCallister, Speed Ford, Seth Criswell, Jerome Kohl, Danny Lathrom and John Hopkins. Honorary pallbearers were Mark Ellis, Mike Peacock and Ron Lewis. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church Youth Fund. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.