Elzene Black

Elzene Black, 91, was welcomed by her heavenly Father at 1:05 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, ending her final suffering from Alzheimer s disease. She lived over 85 years in her childhood home near Mexico prior to living with her daughter and son-in-law in Newtown, Mo., and most recently at Sunnyview Nursing Home in Trenton, Mo.

Mrs. Black was born to Harm and Lillie (Renken) Aswegan on May 23, 1919. She graduated from Mexico High School and married Woodrow Black in 1942. After his return from World War II, Woodrow and Elzene welcomed a daughter, Audrey. Elzene lost her husband to cancer in 1953 and raised her daughter with the loving support of her parents.

Elzene was a compassionate caregiver with a servant s heart. She lovingly cared for many family members including her husband, grandmother, grandfather, mother, father, and dear family friend. In addition to other jobs, she retired after 20 years with the Mexico Housing Authority. She was a member of the Littleby Methodist Church and served as their organist for most of her life until its closure. She loved music, flowers and gardening and was a member of the WSCS, VFW auxiliary, and of the Newton Christian Church in her final years. Above all else, she adored spending time with her family and friends.

She will be dearly missed by one daughter, Audrey Brown and husband Gary, Newtown; three granddaughters and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Edsel Aswegan; and family friend, Charlie Lierheimer.

A special thanks to the staff of the Sunnyview Nursing Home and the many friends who offered care and support to Elzene and her family.

Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 13, at Pickering Funeral Home with the Rev. Bob Stanford and Rev. Dennis Daum officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Littleby Cemetery or the Newtown Christian Church Music Department and sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.