DEXTER -- Retha Marie Sissum, 85, died Feb. 13, 2013, at the Cypress Point Skilled Nursing Home in Dexter.
Born Sept. 25, 1927, in Russellville, Ark., to the late Charles and Abbie Simms Rackley, she had lived in Puxico most of her life where she attended the Puxico General Baptist Church.
On June 15, 1940, in Pope County, Ark., she married William Lester Sissum, and he preceded her in death on Oct. 26, 1983.
She was also preceded in death by two sons, William Ray Sissum and Kenneth Gene Sissum; one daughter, Betty Sue Irwin; three brothers, J.C. Rackley, Lawrence Rackley and Elmer Rackley; one grandson and one great-granddaughter.
Survivors include: two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Lora Sissum of Dexter and Michael and Vickie Sissum of Puxico; two daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn and Randy Madison of Belleview, Ill., and Linda and Ed Brooks of Rich Hill; one brother, Bob Rackley of Texas; one sister, Mae McDonald of Russellville, Ark.; and 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Visitation is from 11 a.m. until time of services at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Puxico with the Rev. Jimmy Clark of Puxico officiating. The Rev. Kenneth Lambert of Bloomfield will assist.
Burial will follow in the Morgan Memorial Park Cemetery in Advance.
Online condolences may be sent at www.watkinsfuneralhome.com.