Berniece Naomi (Meyer) Degard, 89, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Friday (March 7, 2014) at Twin Pines Adult Care Center in Kirksville.

The daughter of George Frederick and Cora Louise (Kuhn) Meyer, she was born June 9, 1924 in Palmyra, Missouri. She was united in marriage to Teno Degard who preceded her in death on October 13, 1984.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Floyd Meyer, and two sisters, Ruth Fountain and Myrtle Hoehne.

Berniece is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Raymond and Joyce Martin of Greentop, MO; one brother, Earl Meyer of Palmyra, MO; two grandchildren, Randy Martin and wife Neina and Rodney Martin and wife Wendy, as well as four great-grandchildren, Tyler and Levi Martin and Logan and Lily Martin.

Berniece was a graduate from Palmyra High School and attended two years at Quincy Business College. She was employed forty years as office manager at International Shoe Company, later Florsheim Shoe Factory until retiring in 1988.

Berniece enjoyed traveling, working as a volunteer at day care and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday (March 11, 2014) after 4:00 p.m., with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday (March 12, 2014) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor John Davison officiating. Music selections, “Mansion over the Hilltop” and “Precious Memories” will be provided by Melodie Sevits, who will be accompanied by Dianthe Cable, organist. Interment will follow the service at Parkview Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be, Kenneth Meyers, Charles Webster, Tom Rundle, Steve Lehenbauer, Carl Lillard, Joe Lillard and Stan Potter. Honorary bearers will be Steve Schwanke, Ace Minch, Bob Lillard and Scott Dehner.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Berniece Degard may be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.