Mary “Louise” Barton, 101, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Tuesday evening, October 22, 2024, at St. Luke’s Nursing Center, Carthage, Missouri. Louise was born May 27, 1923, in Carthage, Missouri, the daughter of the late Jasper R. Edwards and Iola “Mae” (Lewis) Edwards. She was a 1940 graduate of Carthage High School and went on to attend Joiner’s Business College for two years in Carthage, Missouri. Louise married Robert E. Barton on April 4, 1942, in Joplin, Missouri; he preceded her in death on August 25, 1997. She worked as a real estate agent for Charles Burt in Carthage until her retirement in 2003. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Carthage, and the Faith Sunday School Class. Louise loved playing Bridge and was a member of many clubs around town.
Survivors include her son-in-law, Gary Gillum; two grandsons, Shawn Gillum (Anna), and Chad Gillum (Amy); her two precious great-grandchildren, Coree Gillum and Isabelle Gillum; her beloved great-great-grandchildren, Cayson and Harlow; and three nieces and two nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Bobbie Rae Gillum; her brother, Ray Edwards; her sisters, Nettie Mae Hensley and Cora Belle Earnst; and a nephew, Earl Hensley, Jr.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 11 am, Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Park Cemetery, Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to American Cancer Society in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
