One life can make a difference.
Anna Lou Looney (Smith)
Was an amazing woman who led a beautifully loving life of service to others, love of fashion and travel, and never meeting a stranger in life without giving them a kind word or compliment.
She first and foremost loved the Lord. One of her favorite bible verses that she quoted often was "Honor thy Mother and Father that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God gives you." Exodus 20:12
She was born in Cowgill, Missouri at the beginning of the depression. This highly influenced her and her generation of hard work ethics and family.
Her early years were fond memories of riding horses bare back, playing in the creek and going to her grandparent’s farm. She was a happy child always smiling and loved school where she was recognized as being exceptionally gifted in art. She also self-taught herself how to sew doll clothes. Little did she know that later these two things would converge into her most successful career.
School years were spent in the small town of Everton, MO in a one room classroom.
After attending school, she married her first love and had her first daughter Charlotte. Later having a son, Randy.
As life progressed she began a career working for Burge Hospital in charge of nutritious salads of patients. (Her children later highly benefitted from this skill.)
She married again during this period and had another son, Ron. These times she remembered fondly having her own mother Zelma living and sharing life with her. She always said a day did not go by that she didn't miss her.
She transitioned into a new career that allowed her to socialize and be in the latest style. She was the neighborhood Avon lady in the Phelps Grove neighborhood and the best part for her was visiting with the neighbors especially the elderly.
Her last marriage produced two more daughters. Christina and Carlia. Most of the older children had transitioned out of the home but she stayed busy volunteering as the Brownie leader. She began working out of the home more doing alterations and sewing for the community.
Word spread quickly of her ability and creativity. Anna's Alterations was born and over the years, she crafted hundreds of beautiful prom and pageant gowns and wedding dresses. She prided herself on her ability to get the best fit and make her own patterns from her inspiration Vogue and Bazaar magazines.
Growing up in the south during her era the women did not drive but with her pioneering spirit she bravely obtained her driver’s license at age 55. This opened up a whole new freedom and business opportunity in Mary Kay cosmetics.
Along the way she also always had a special place in her heart for children. So, before she had grandchildren, she worked at the Ozark Fitness Center nursery.
Anna is survived by her daughters, Charlotte Rosebrough, Christina Duke and her husband Derek, Carlia Waite and her husband John; two sons, Randy Rosebrough and his wife Melanie, Ron Hillhouse; a brother, Eddie Kimbler.
She later went on to have six grandchildren. Dylan, Devyn, Jack, Carter, Daryn and Charlie. And many fur grand babies.
In her retirement years, she never really slowed down. She took up ball room dancing and a senior’s acting group. She joined the Red Hats Society and Women's Democratic Club. She was a regular bingo player at the South Side Senior Center. She loved singing and had a contralto soprano voice, and over the years would spontaneously bust out a show tune or hymn.
Over the years she attended church and volunteered in Sunday school and visiting teaching.
She loved traveling to Paris for her 77th birthday celebration that took place in the Eiffel tower. She frequented Puerto Vallarta and Disneyland with grandkids. She loved traveling to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Tunica and Branson.
In her later years the traveling slowed down a bit but not the glamour. She never left the house without her signature red lipstick or fur coat. She loved going to the movies or watching Turner classic network or the Golden Girls at home.
Her children and grandchildren were the loves of her life! She would always grab them, kiss them and tell them she loved them. And for them to "give her more sugar!"
Her life was full of love for others and it did make a difference to those who had the privilege to experience it.
She loved to laugh and had a true zest for life. She will be surely missed!
Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00pm Friday evening, July 14, 2017 at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00am Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Sinking Creek Cemetery in Everton, Missouri.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com