Lola Yvonne (Liggett) Sibley was born to Herbert H. and Rhonda Naomi Liggett in Neelyville, Feb. 20, 1937, and departed this life on July 26, 2020, in Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mountain Grove, after a short illness. She was 83 years, 5 months,and 6 days of age. Lola was married to Melborn Kenneth Smith for 20 years. Five children were born to this union; Kenneth Lee, Rodney Lynn, Gary Ray, Aubrey Dean and Sherry Diane. Lola had, up until later years, worked most of her life. As the oldest of nine children, she often commented that she had to raise her brothers and sisters. She also worked as a bookkeeper, housekeeper, and in home health care as a dietitian and a CNA. Her second marriage was to Darrell Crossno from the Missouri Bootheel. He gave to her the love of motorcycles and they often enjoyed riding together. Later, she married Lonnie Sibley. They were married 22 years when he passed away. She then moved to Mountain Grove and remained there until her death. Lola was a devoted Christian, and until later years, always attended church as much as possible. Lola also enjoyed flower gardening, sewing, crocheting and her little chihuahua, Tootsie.
Lola was preceded in death by her three husbands; three sons, Kenneth, Rodney and Aubrey; two brothers, Herbert Lee Liggett and Leroy Liggett; and two sisters, Toloa “Todie” McKnight and Wileen “Sue” Vangorder. Lola is survived by her daughter, Sherry Thompson and her husband, Greg, of Mountain Grove; one son, Gary Smith, of Mountain Grove; one brother, Ray Liggett, of Forsyth; three sisters, Connie Taylor, of Springfield; Naomi Blum and her husband, John, of Springfield; and Wanda Widner and her husband, Chris, of Scott, Mich.; six grandchildren, Matthew, Lacy, Brian, Kellie, Josh and Travis; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends; and a special friend to the end, Edith Hill. Visitation for Lola Sibley was held Thursday, July 30, 2020, from 1-2 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Funeral services followed the visitation at 2 p.m., also at the funeral home, with Pastor Charles Moore officiating. Song selections were “The Sweet By And By,” “Shall We Gather At The River” and “Beulah Land” sung by Jared Moore. Burial will be in Lone Star Cemetery at a later date. Services were under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
