Ola Mae (Smith) Lancaster was born Dec. 5, 1930, in Seymour, Texas, to the late Pete and Minnie (Howry) Smith, and passed from this life on Jan. 27, 2022, at Jacob's Ladder Home in Springfield, at 91 years of age. Ola grew up in Texas and was raised by Al and Mary Higgins and Woody and Juanita Pond. She married James Monroe Lancaster on Dec. 18, 1949, in Pampa, Texas. Two children were born to this union. he worked as a dental assistant there until she and James moved to Mountain Grove in 1971. James passed away on Feb. 17, 2000. She worked as a dental assistant in Mountain Grove for a few years and later worked at Boatmen's Bank. After leaving the bank, Ola worked at Walmart for many years and retired several years ago. She continued to live on the farm and take care of her cattle. Ola was a hard worker and was fiercely independent. Ola and James enjoyed traveling and camping. She also liked to work with James on woodworking and carving projects. Ola accepted Christ as her Savior at a young age, and she was a member of First Baptist Church in Mountain Grove. Besides her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters; son, Jimmy Lancaster; and also Al and Mary Ellen Higgins. She is survived by one daughter, Cheryl Alcina and her husband, Mark, of Morgan City, La.; three grandchildren, Jay Lancaster and wife, Nikki; Dustin Walter and wife, Rachel; and Laura Mae Lancaster; five great-grandchildren, Brody, Harley, Peyton, Austin and Selena; other relatives and many friends who will miss her very much. Visitation for Ola Lancaster was held Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, at 2 p.m., also at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gene Edwards officiating. Song selections were “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” “Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone” and “I’ll Fly Away.” Jason Dutton, Jay Lancaster, Dustin Walter, Clyde Maners, Clayton James and Joel Lancaster served as pallbearers. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home – Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church in Mountain Grove or Kidney Foundation in care of the funeral home. Online contributions: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
