Mary Eftink

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Mary Louise Eftink, 60, of Marble Hill passed away Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau after a long, declining illness.

She was born in Cairo, Ill., on Nov. 16, 1952, the daughter of Amos W. and Mary Blanche Alvey Holifield. She graduated from high school in Charleston, Mo., and began a long career with Missouri Division of Family Services as a clerical worker. She married Jeffrey Joseph Eftink on Oct. 13, 1984, in Sikeston, Mo. She was a member of St. John Catholic Church at Leopold, Mo., and the St. Ann Sodality.

Besides her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Toni Eftink, and a son, Alex Eftink, both of Cape Girardeau; three brothers, Leonard Holifield of LaVerne, Calif., Jim Holifield of Fayetteville, N.C., and Andy Holifield of Houston; and two sisters, Betty Fair of Eldon, Mo., and Sharon Payne of Bertrand, Mo.

Her parents and two brothers, Donald and David Holifield, preceded her in death.

Mary was a loving wife and mom, and was very loved. She enjoyed walking, yoga and reading, especially books by Jodi Picoult and books about Pope John Paul II. She was a Girl Scout leader for eight years, and volunteered for the Senior Center in Marble Hill for several years. She always enjoyed getting others involved in her passions. She had a gentle, sweet spirit that will be missed by many.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Hutchings Funeral Chapel in Marble Hill. Parish prayers will be conducted at 7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. John Church in Leopold, Mo., with the Rev. William Hennecke officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.