Imogene M Holt, passed away peacefully on January 14th, 2023, at the age of 95. She was born on July 28, 1927, to her parents Roy L and Verda E (Anderson) Dye of Chestnut Ridge.

Imogene was preceded in death by her husband, Louis G Holt; parents, Roy and Verda Dye; sisters, Lorene Barnhart and Lola Dye and brother, Cleo Dye.

Imogene is survived by her niece, Norma Fay Nedderman and husband, Jeff of Texas; nephew, Lirel Holt and wife, Sharon of Kansas City and nephew, Jeff Barnhart of Spokane. She is also survived by many great nieces and nephews and cousins.

Imogene grew up on a farm near Spokane, Missouri during the depression years. She attended and graduated with a bachelor's degree from Southwest Missouri State. On August 20, 1948, she married Louis G Holt in Boon County Arkansas. She began her teaching career at Meadows School, a one-room schoolhouse built in 1906 and located in Taney County on Bull Creek. At just nineteen she rode a horse to the school and had to start the fire and individually instruct the children as they range from first to eighth grade. She became a teacher at Reeds Spring in 1947 where she was paid $110.00 per month.

Imogene taught school for 39 ½ years. She was a Teacher at Reeds Spring School District the great majority of that time in the 3rd grade. Imogene taught so many kids that she had her students' kids and some grandkids as students. She was a pillar of Reeds Spring so much that she was inducted into the first Reed Spring Hall of Fame with just five others. Her teaching career spanned for portions of Five Decades.

In 1955 Imogene and Louis bought an old shoe store that stood close to the post office. They had no clue as to what they were doing and Louis had no experience with leather. Eventually they tore down the old shoe store and built a new building which still stands today. They had the Holt Shoe Store in Downtown Reeds Spring, Mo. The shoe store became a pillar in the community and served working men and families from the Stone County area for Kangaroo Shoes, work boots, cowboy boots and leather repair. Imogene taught during the week and worked at the store selling shoes and helping louis after hours and on many Saturdays. It was a snapshot of a family-owned business of the day. Imogene kept the store for a short while after Louis passed away in 1985. Imogene also Retired from Teaching shortly after that.

Imogene loved collecting and went to garage sales and auctions. She treasure-hunted and browsed with her dear friend, Mairane Cavin. Together they started a flea market also known as The Old Red Barn, which still stands today. Eventually Imogene decided to leave collecting behind and became a volunteer at the Thrift Store in Downtown Reeds Spring that is run by the Tri Lakes Humane Society. Imogene also donated her time for the local and National Elections and volunteered at the Ruth A Polling Place at Reeds Spring. She thought it important to be part of Americas election process. Imogene was a member of the local chapter of Eastern Star "giving time to meaningful projects that benefit mankind."

Into her 70's and 80's she traveled, collected memorabilia, and volunteered. She was a model for kindness, patience, helping others and promoting personal contribution. She was a model for what we should all strive to be. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Reeds Spring. She was devoted to her church and very sad when it had to be torn down. Imogene lived on Craig Street from 1986 until 2015. She was fondly known as the Bear Lady, having at one point over 200 stuffed bears and animals that she would happily hand out to children or donate. She couldn't pass up a family friendly Norman Rockwell plate or picture and Wedgewood Gardens Assisted Living, where she spent her final years, made a policy exception allowing Imogene's Rockwell's on her walls because of the joy they brought to all who visited.

There is too much to say about this wonderful Lady and not enough time to do it. She treated her nephews and nieces like her own children. She had a great since of humor and was always happy. She never spoke ill of anyone and was always willing to help. She will be missed so much and will never be forgotten. As her nephew, I had the privilege of meeting her when I was 8 years old when her sister, Lorene and brother-in-law, Herschel adopted me (Jeff Barnhart). At that moment, she smiled and also adopted me. She was always there when we needed her and never hesitated to help or lend a hand. She was a one-of-a-kind lady and I personally, and/we jointly are blessed to have had the privilege to call her family.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 23, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Stumpff Funeral Chapel, Kimberling City, MO. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. in Eisenhour Cemetery, Spokane, MO.

In lieu of flowers or gifts please donate in Honor of Imogene Holt, to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society or to the Reeds Spring Thrift Store. This would make her so proud.

https://www.tri-lakeshumanesoc.org/