Retta Varner

ASH GROVE, Mo. — Retta J. Varner, 96, of Ash Grove, Missouri, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2016, at Ash Grove Healthcare.

She was born Jan. 9, 1920, in Powhatan, Arkansas, daughter of Thomas Burrel and Maude M. Dunn Smith. She and Paul W. Varner were united in marriage July 23, 1949, and he passed away July 19, 1995.

Mrs. Varner during World War II worked as Rosie the Riveter, a beautician, a homemaker, loved to garden and was a member of Fenton United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her daughters, Rebecca Eagle of Tacoma, Washington, and Georgia (Richard) Virnig of Ash Grove; sister Linda (Al) Troutt of Florence, Montana; and grandchildren Sam Eagle, Grant Eagle and Arthur Virnig.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Paul; her parents; son-in-law Douglas Eagle; six brothers; and five sisters.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. today at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill, Missouri.

The funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the Rev. Richard Virnig officiating. Burial will be in Grassy Friendship Cemetery in Grassy, Missouri.

Condolences maybe left at www.lileyfuneralhomes.com.