Tressie LaVern Pedersen, age 86, Carthage, MO, passed away early Thursday morning, December 13, 2018 at Freeman Hospital West, Joplin, MO. Tressie LaVern Helm was born November 4, 1932 in Fulton County, AR to the late William Ezra Helm and Jennie Elizabeth (Hogan) Helm. She married Paul Lawrence Pedersen on January 16, 1982 in Casper, WY; he survives. She attended the Community Fellowship Church in Carterville, MO. Tressie loved pottery, reading, and sending cards and flowers.
Additional survivors include two daughters, Lori Graves (Rick), Nashville, TN, and Amy Cross (Brad), St. Louis, MO; three sons, David Pedersen (Marta), Dallas, TX, Mark Pedersen (Julie), Canyon Lake, TX, and Jay Pedersen (Kathy), Omaha, NE; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers, William Helm, Luther Helm, Everett Helm, and Edward Helm, and two sisters, Lela Howard, Shirley McEndree.
Visitation will be held 6-7 pm, Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Funeral services will be held 10 am, Monday, December 17, 2018 at Knell Mortuary. Interment will follow the service in Park Cemetery, Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to National Multiple Sclerosis 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.
