Frances Redfering

(From Parker Mortuary)

Frances Sue Allred Redfering, 87, of Joplin, MO, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026 after a long, full, well-lived life.

She was born on October 29, 1938 in Mississippi County Arkansas to Ira and Fannie (Church) Allred and grew up in the Barnes Ridge community in New Madrid County Missouri. She dedicated her life to her family and was known and loved for her warm, gentle, quiet strength, and generous nature. Family was everything to Frances and she loved spending time with them especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

After retiring as a bookkeeper Frances spent hours researching family history, organizing and attending family reunions. An avid reader she experienced great adventures and traveled the world many times over through the pages of many books. She was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and lived her life according to the values of charity, love, and kindness. She enjoyed playing cards, going to Bible study, and attending Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church virtual church services with her wonderful neighbors at Memorial Hills in Joplin, MO. She loved animals and was a die hard St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan. One of the best surprises was when she was able to attend a game from the green seats. And although she never attended opening day at Busch in person it was a celebration of hot dogs, peanuts and Cardinal gear from the best seats, her living room.

Frances was a cherished and devoted Mom to Arlene, Ramona, and Christopher, ‘Nana’ to Andria (Cody), Tim, Justin and Matt, ‘White-Haired Nana’ to Sophia, Brantlee, and Remi, an older sister to John and Wylie, mother-in-law to Becky, Richard, and Steven, and friend to three special young ladies; Amilee, Amanda, and Megan.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ira and Fannie (Church) Allred, brother Frank Allred, sisters Ella Mae Branam, Jewel Tanksley, Christine Campbell, and Gloria Ann Archie. She is survived by her three children, Arlene Lane (Steven) of Joplin, MO, Ramona Call (Richard) of Jackson, MO, and Christopher Redfering (Rebecca), Brentwood, MO, four grandchildren; Andria Bigham (Cody) Jackson, MO, Tim Redfering of Hillsboro, MO, Justin Redfering of Brentwood, MO and Matthew Redfering, Brentwood, MO, three great-grandchildren; Sophia, Brantlee, and Remi, Jackson, MO, two brothers John Allred (Bettye) Grayson, Louisiana and Wiley Allred (Pam) of East Prairie, MO, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and Wendi, her feline companion who provided hours of acrobatic entertainment and companionship the past couple years.

A graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery, East Prairie, MO and a celebration of Frances’ life is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local animal shelter, food bank/pantry, and take time to be with one another.

Cremation arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.