Ina Mae Loftis

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Ina Mae Loftis, age 83, of Mount Vernon, MO passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Bel Oak in Mt Vernon, MO with family by her side. She was born in Mt. Vernon, MO on Monday, July 6, 1942; daughter of Harold Clifford and Lillian "Itasha" (Carter) Rutledge. She was a 1960 graduate of Mount Vernon High School. 

Ina Mae enjoyed making others happy and loved helping them. She worked at Turner's Ben Franklin store, the Lawrence County Manor in housekeeping, and retired from the Veterans Home as a cook. 

Ina Mae spent years as a caterer baking wedding cakes and birthday cakes for others. She always looked forward to smiles from kids when seeing their birthday cake or brides when viewing their wedding cake the first time. Ina Mae also enjoyed gardening and took pride in her house and yard working hard to make it a warm, inviting place for others. Ina Mae raised skunks when she was little and always loved skunks. 

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mount Vernon where she spent many years serving in the nursery. She most enjoyed spending time with her family. Ina Mae loved visiting with her grandbabies and great-grandbabies. She will be missed by many! 

Surviving are the following: four children, Clifford Loftis of Mt. Vernon, MO, Rex (Mary) Loftis of Mt. Vernon, MO, Marnita (David) Neill or Aurora, MO, and Marion (Rick) Walters of Mt. Vernon, MO; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; four siblings, Jerry (Delpha) Rutledge, John (Becky) Rutledge, Jim (Debbie Wheeler) Rutledge, and Juanita (Larry) Roesslet; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Those welcoming her to heaven included her parents, Harold and Itasha Rutledge and her husband, George Loftis; and her two Schnauzers, Charlie and Millie.

The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church, Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon, MO on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

Funeral services will be at First Baptist Church, Mount Vernon on Monday, March 2, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM with Brother Tim Rice officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Vernon City Cemetery in Mount Vernon, MO.

Memorials may be made to the America Cancer Society--Breast Cancer Awareness in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.