Olive Dowell

Services were 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, in Calvary Chapel with Dr. Doug Earls officiating. Music was by Judy Luxton, soloist, who sang, “It Is Well With My Soul” and two songs sung by the congregation, “Old Rugged Cross” and “Victory in Jesus.” Betsy Earls was pianist. Graveside services and burial was in Campground Cemetery at Wet Glaize, near Richland, under the direction of Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Escorts were Jeff Abercrombie, Virgil Dowell, Mark Ellliott, Chad Gard, Terry Luxton and Matt Mills. Olive Ruth Dowell, 81, was born Aug. 21, 1928, in Richland, the daughter of Frank and Ruth Starks. She died Dec. 25, 2009, at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield. She was united in marriage with Robert Leon “Bob” Dowell on Oct. 17, 1949. They shared 59 wonderful years. She graduated from Stoutland High School, Stoutland, and attended Draughan’s Business college in Springfield for two years. She had a very successful career as an accountant, primarily in the auto sales industry in California, until her retirement. She moved to La Habra, Calif., in 1949, upon her marriage, where they lived until 2004. In March 2004, they returned to Missouri and settled in Buffalo close to family and friends. They never had children of their own but considered their nieces and nephews as their own, and they adopted countless friends and young families into their hearts calling them all “their kids.” She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading and John Wayne movies. She had numerous other interests including sailing, camping and RVing. She had a strong faith in Jesus Christ, which soon became clear to all who knew here. She was a member of Calvary Chapel, Buffalo. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob, on June 14, 2009; three brothers: Malcolm, Millard and Leslie Starks; one brother-in-law, Reuben Dowell; four sisters-in-law: Reta Dowell, Doris Brown, Mildred Counts and Esther Johnson; and two nephews: Byron Counts and Bill LaQuey. Survivors include two sisters-in-law: Corriene Starks, Richland, and Lois Walton, Yucaipa, Calif.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was loved by every person with whom she came into contact. She will be missed very much, but there is no doubt that she is truly home for eternity.

Olive Dowell

August 21, 1928 - December 25, 2009