Columbia, MO resident, Bennie Alkire, age 98, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home, surrounded by the people she loved most.

Bennie Lou Alkire was born in Old Linn Creek, MO on January 2, 1928.  She was one of four children born to the late Frank and Beryle (Hocker) Jeffries.  Bennie was a graduate of Fayette High School.  On December 2, 1948, Bennie married the love of her life, Harvey Alkire, in Sedalia, MO.  Together, they enjoyed over 37 years of marriage.  Harvey preceded her in death on December 12, 1985. 

Bennie worked as an assembly line worker for Square D electrical manufacturing (now Schneider Electric) for nearly 20 years.  Bennie was also a longtime cook at Howard Johnson’s Restaurant in Columbia.  Bennie enjoyed the outdoors, watching the birds at her window feeders, and every day at 4:00, watching Jeopardy.  She was a wonderful caretaker and always willing to lend a helping hand.  She’d give the shirt off her back to help anyone in need.

She is survived by her daughter, Carol (Sherri Harris) Alkire, of Columbia, MO.  In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Alkire, and three siblings, Jeff, Charles and Peggy Blackmore.

Services will be held privately, at the convenience of the family.  Interment will be at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Fayette.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO 65202.  Arrangements are entrusted to Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service of Fayette, and online condolences may be shared at friemonthfreesefuneralservice.com.