Golf tourney to honor Yarbrough set for June 12

SIKESTON -- Mary Margaret Story Yarbrough's life ended far too soon, but her legacy of caring lives on.

Charleston-native Yarbrough, 25-years-old at the time of her accidental death by a fatal fall off a bluff at the Current River in July 2005, is remembered with a scholarship in her name, to benefit aspiring funeral professionals.

The Southeast Missouri Funeral Director's Association, on which Yarbrough served as secretary/treasurer, will host a golf tournament on Monday, June 12, with proceeds targeted for the Mary Margaret Story Yarbrough Scholarship Fund.

"Anyone who knew Mary Margaret knew that she was a warm, generous and giving person," said Terry Parker of McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, where Yarbrough fulfilled a longtime dream and ambition to become a funeral professional. "I can't think of a better way for the funeral profession and the community to honor Mary Margaret's memory than by having this tournament and donating the proceeds towards her scholarship fund."

Yarbrough, an avid sportswoman and outdoorsman, had been active in basketball, tennis and softball during her youth and high school years at Charleston High School. A natural leader and groundbreaker, she was the first girl to participate in the Charleston Little League football program.

The inaugural tournament will be held at the Sikeston Country Club. Registration and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start for the three-person scramble at 1 p.m. Entry fees are $150 per team. Entry forms are available in Charleston at McMikle Funeral Home, First Security State Bank, Citizens Bank and the Charleston Country Club and in Sikeston at the Ponder Funeral Home.

At press time, 35 teams were reported to have entered with openings for a maximum of 50 teams. More than $4,000 in door prizes and gifts are to be offered to tournament participants.

Hole sponsorships -- $100 for a silver sponsor, $225 for a gold sponsor -- are available.

"Response has been great from businesses throughout the Sikeston-

Charleston area," said Parker, of the sponsorships. "Small businesses who couldn't afford the $100 and $225 sponsorships have contributed lesser amounts."

For further information, contact the Ponder Funeral Home (573-471-3380) or the McMikle Funeral Home (573-683-3773).

The Southeast Missouri Funeral Director's Association plan to make the tournament an annual event.