Dena (Marlow) McElfresh

Dena McElfresh, 89, of Pacific, MO went to heaven, Monday, October 29, 2018, at Mercy Hospital in Creve Couer, MO. Dena, daughter of the late James and Lena (NEE Rogers) Marlow was born in Pacific, MO on November 9, 1928. At the age of 3, the family returned to Rolla. Due to the death of her mother Lena, Dena became the primary caregiver for her siblings, even at the young age of 14. She did all the cooking, cleaning, and washing of clothes for the family, as well as seeing that her siblings were ready and off to school. Robert McElfresh and Dena were united in marriage on December 15, 1946 at Rolla, MO. Together they had three sons Gaylon, Richard, and Byron. Dena’s working career consisted of working at the Rolla Shoe factory, then after moving to Pacific, MO. In 1955, she worked at Ritepoint Pen and Pencil factory in Crestwood, MO for serval years. Dena became a Christian in her teen age years. She and her husband were charter members of two churches. Currently she was a member of Gray Summit Assembly of God. Her ministry was to children. She was a very active Sunday School teacher and was involved in children’s ministry. Dena was a loving wife, devoted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, sis, aunt, great aunt, cousin and friend to all she had met.

Dena is survived by her three sons, Gaylon and wife Kathy McElfresh of Villa Ridge, Richard and wife Debby McElfresh of St. Clair, and Byron McElfresh of Pacific. Three sisters Doris DeLoss of Huntsville, Texas, Gerri Williams of Rolla, MO, and Ada Rose Torrez of Medina, Ohio. She is survived by her 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren,nieces,nephews, cousins, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert (August 22, 2013, her parents, James and Lena Marlow, her second Mom, Ethel Jones Marlow, three brothers, Delmer Marlow, Don Marlow, and Warren Cross.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 2, 2018 at Nieburg-Vitt, Thiebes from 4:00-8:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating the service is Rev. Lloyd Ward and Rev. Gaylon McElfresh. Interment will follow at Rolla City Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Pacific area “Backpack Program” or to Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in St. Louis.

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