Ishmel Laverne Fite, 84, of Caulfield, MO, passed away March 4, 2017 at NHC Healthcare in West Plains, MO. She was born September 12, 1932 in Paden, MS, the daughter of Marshall Shelly and Willie Ann (Clifton) Murphy.

Laverne grew up in Mississippi the youngest of seven siblings. As a teenager she competed in the Queen of Shelbi contest in Memphis, TN. Laverne was united in marriage to John Henry “Sonny” Fite Jr. in January of 1951. He preceded her in death in December of 2016. The couple raised four children. They lived in Memphis for several years before purchasing land near Tecumseh, MO. After years of camping trips, the couple moved to the Ozarks in 1989. Laverne loved fishing with her husband. She was a wonderful cook and was always there for her children and grandchildren. She had a great Irish sense of humor. Laverne was very patriotic and often contributed to various veteran causes. She was loved and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Laverne is survived by her children John David Fite and wife Cary of Imperial, MO, Elbert Marshall “Bert” Fite and wife Teresa of Millstadt, IL, Patricia Ann Fite and fiancé Mike Monte’ of Scottsdale, AZ and William Clifton Fite Sr. of Gamaliel, AR; eleven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one sister-in-law Hazel Murphy of Memphis, TN.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her siblings Adren, Wilburn, Bill, Ralph, John and Ione; and one great grandson Wyldan Clifton Fite.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at the Clear Springs General Baptist Church near Dawt, MO with David Evans officiating. Burial will be in the Clear Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. to service time. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Clear Springs Cemetery. Arrangements are by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.

Photo and obituary was published by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Inc.
.