Jerry Rieffer

Jerry Ruth (Barr) Rieffer of Bonne Terre, MO, formerly of Arcadia Valley, MO, was born on August 27, 1936, in Viburnum, MO, the oldest child and only daughter of the late Wesley and Bertha (Wood) Barr of Viburnum, MO, Jerry departed this life on February 28, 2013, in Dallas, Texas, having reached the age of 76 years 6 months and 1 day.

In addition to her parents, Jerry was preceded in death by her husband, Willard E. Rieffer and five brothers, Sonny (Forrest), Johnny, Charlie, Marvin and Bobby Barr.

Jerry graduated from Viburnum High School and during her senior year was voted homecoming queen.

Jerry had an incredible work ethic and at a time when many women weren’t finding careers outside the home, she started a very successful career selling insurance. Starting in the early 1970’s, she was an agent for Farm Bureau, Met Life, AAA and Combined Insurance most recently Physicians Mutual. She attained many top sales awards and company recognition for her work of almost forty years.

She was very community minded and involved herself immensely in the Order of the Eastern Star; joining the Caledonia Chapter 321 on May 18, 1957, she served the order for almost 57 years. She served Tyro Chapter 321 twelve years as Worthy Matron, first in 1962, until last year 2012. She was District Deputy in 1965 and 1999; she attained the role of Grand Martha in 2003 and went to the National Grand Chapter in Washington, D.C.

She was a faithful and active member of the Caledonia United Methodist Church, having transferred her membership from the Arcadia Valley United Methodist Church in 2005; she was active in the Caledonia United Methodist Church Womens’ Club and hosted several holiday parties. Jerry was an active member of the Valley Lions Club.

Her pecan pies and Texas chocolate cakes were an ever-present item at any fundraising event. She loved sharing and trying new recipes.

Jerry will be remembered for her generous spirit and deep love of her family and friends; she adored her sisters and brothers with the Star and enjoyed all the travels to other chapters.

She loved playing bridge with her friends and was part of three active bridge and card clubs. Her vibrant spirit will live on in our shared stories and laughter.

Jerry is survived by her two loving daughters, Debbie Goodman and husband Ron, of Texas and Candace Netzer and husband Jeff of Texas; one brother Stephen A. Barr and wife Kailee of High Point, North Carolina, five grandchildren; TJ Owens and wife Jenny, Mandy Brantley and husband Aswad, Trevor Netzer, Kate Netzer and Keith Goodman and wife Lauren; five great grandchildren; Jake, Keaton and Claire Owens, Quinton Brantley and Ronni Goodman, aunts, cousins and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation was held Sunday, March 03, 2013, from 4 to 9 P.M. at Moore Funeral Homes, Potosi, MO. Funeral Services were held Monday, March 4, at 11 A.M. at the Caledonia United Methodist Church, Caledonia, MO, with Reverend Rich Lasley Officiating, assisted by John Robinson, III, Eulogist and Reverend James West, Musician.

Final prayer and burial was at the Caledonia Methodist Cemetery, Caledonia, MO. Pallbearers were, Jeff Netzer, TJ Owens, Ron Goodman, Keith Goodman, Trevor Netzer, Jacob Owens, Aswad Brantley and Stephen Barr.