**Vivian Shanafelt Love, 1925 – 2025**
*A Life of Service, Strength, and Love*
Vivian C. Love, of Carthage, Missouri, a beloved mother, grandmother, and an original Rosie the Riveter, passed away peacefully at the age of 100. Born 1925 in Joplin, Missouri, Vivian lived a century marked by her incredible service to our country, her unwavering faith in the Lord, and her loving dedication to her family.
One of seven children, Vivian grew up during the Great Depression and came of age during a time of great national challenge. At just 19 years old, she answered her country’s call during World War II by working at the North American Aviation bomber plant in Kansas City, where she helped build the B-25 Mitchell bombers, riveting the nose cones that would carry the bombardier and the navigator. Her contribution exemplified the courage and resilience of the women who helped power the American war effort from the home front.
During the war, Vivian also served at Camp Crowder in southwest Missouri, a vital Army Signal Corps base. Her work there contributed to national defense efforts and reflected her deep sense of patriotic duty. After the war, she went on to work for the Jasper County Soil and Water Conservation District until her retirement.
She married her husband, Harry Love, with whom they proudly raised two sons, Dennis and Kevin, and later welcomed a cherished granddaughter, Ashley, who brought her endless joy.
Vivian’s spirit of service extended far beyond wartime. For decades, she volunteered at McCune-Brooks Hospital (now Mercy Hospital) in Carthage, Missouri, where she not only gave her time but also took on the responsibility of managing the hospital gift shop. Her commitment to community and faith was also evident in her work with her church, where she served as the head of the church library. She later taught a women’s Sunday school class with the name “Faith” as she believed “Faith is not believing that God can; It is knowing that He will.” Vivian’s life was a testament to the power of service and the quiet strength of a woman.
Above all, Vivian was proud to be one the original Rosie the Riveters—a symbol of strength, patriotism, and determination. She wore that title with humility but also with a sense of pride, knowing the weight and worth of what it meant to be a Rosie. Her work during World War II not only supported the war effort but also paved the way for future generations of women to take their place in the workforce and in history.
She is survived by her son Kevin W. Love (Marilyn) of Dadeville, Missouri, and her only granddaughter Ashley Love Brown (Christopher), and a legacy of love, service, and strength that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Love, her son Dennis Love, her parents, John Shanafelt and Eva Shryer Shanafelt, as well as all of her siblings, Kenneth Shanafelt, Mildred Shanafelt Anderson, Kilburn Shanafelt, Loren Shanafelt, Gene Shanafelt, and Maurice Shanafelt.
A celebration of Vivian’s extraordinary life will be held in the coming days. There will be a visitation service on the evening of Friday, June 13, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. The funeral service will be on the following day Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM also at Ulmer Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
