Regina Vernell Maness

Regina Vernell (Sifferman) Maness passed away Friday, Oct. 16, 2020 at the
Fremont Senior Living facility. She was born near Republic Nov. 1, 1922 to
Lewis Dale Sifferman and Nellie (Biellier) Sifferman. She was married on June
18, 1939 to Donald S. Maness and they spent nearly 68 years together until
he died in 2007. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband,
Donald; son, Harold Don Maness; grandson, Keith Andrew Maness; brother,
Dale Sifferman; and sisters, Hildred Watson and Norreva Simmons.
Maness is survived by two daughters; Marilyn and husband Jim Ferguson,
Vernell and husband Jerry Ward; and daughter-in-law, Sandy Maness; five
grandsons, step-granddaughter Shelly and husband Jerry McInturff; three
great-granddaughters; eight step-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Wayne
and wife Eileen Sifferman, and Norris Sifferman; a sister-in-law, Rosemary
and husband Alan Comisky; 19 nieces and nephews and their families.
Maness was a lifelong resident in the Republic area. She attended Carter,
Gray, and St. Elmo grade schools and graduated from Republic High School
in 1939. During high school she enjoyed playing violin and played a solo at
her high school graduation. She married shortly after graduation and spent
many years helping on the family farm east of Republic. After her children
were in school she also worked outside the home at several jobs, including
23 years at the Farmer's Exchange (MFA) in Republic as a clerk, cashier, and
bookkeeper until the store closed, then was employed in the offices of Tax
Collector and Purchasing Department at the Greene County Courthouse in
Springfield until her retirement.
She was a loyal member of Hood United Methodist Church for over 75
years and fondly remembered teaching primary Sunday School classes for
several years.
She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, was the Worthy Matron
in 1952 and received her 50 year pin in 1995 and 70 year recognition in
2018. She was active in several Masonic auxiliary organizations, including
Social Orders of the Beauceant, Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Amaranth,
White Shrine, True Kindred, and Daughters of Mokanna. She rose to be the
highest officer in many of these organizations, became presiding state officer
in some and even national positions in others.
She was project leader and community leader of Lindsey 4-H Club for 25
years. After involving her children in 4-H and encouraging them to excel, she
continued to lead the younger children in the community for many more
years.
She was also active at the Senior Center in Republic, riding the OATS bus to
get there and making many new friends. Regina moved from the farm in
2015 to live at The Gardens Assisted Living facility.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, at Lindsey
Chapel Cemetery. No formal visitation is planned, but open viewing will be
held at Meadors Funeral Home from 10 a.m. to noon Friday morning for those
who would like to sign the book and pay their respects. At the funeral home
and the graveside services, masks and social distancing are encouraged. In
lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hood United Methodist
Church (139 N Walnut Ave, Republic, MO 65738).