Nettie “Louise” (Ownbey) Yardley, 91, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Friday (June 28, 2013) at Kirksville Manor Care Center in Kirksville.

The daughter of Ernest and Olive (Bennett) Ownbey, she was born September 4, 1921 in Kirksville, Missouri. On September 15, 1945 in Kirksville, Missouri, Louise was united in marriage to Willard FranklinYardley.

Louise is survived by her husband, Willard of sixty-seven years; one son and daughter-in-law, Willard “Sonny” and Twyla Yardley of Jefferson City, MO; three daughters and sons-in-law, Willa Mae and Leon Hutcheson, Roxie and Darreld Parks, and Teresa and Jeff Hatfield all of Kirksville, MO; one sister, Gerry Evans of Kirksville, MO; her sister-in-law, Christin Anna Robinson of Ohio; eight grandchildren, Karla, Reid, Staci, Laura, Sheila, Clinton, Rachael and Bryon, as well as several great- grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, James “Bunker” Ownbey and two sisters, Norma Ownbey and Georgia Dreyer.

Louise was a lifelong resident of Kirksville, and graduated from Kirksville High School. In her early years, she worked in nursing and was last employed a number of years at International Shoe Factory until her retirement.

Her hobbies included crocheting, gardening and playing the piano. Louise enjoyed being with her family and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Louise was an active member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Kirksville, most of her life.

Public visitation was held Sunday evening (June 30, 2013) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services were held today (July 1, 2013) at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Reverend Bob Price and Pastor Mark Hager presiding. Interment followed the service at Ownbey Cemetery in Kirksville.

Pallbearers were Johnny Dreyer, Terry Abney, Joe Wyatt, Clell Evans, Clinton Parks and Caleb Brown. Honorary bearers were Reid Yardley, J.D. Dreyer, Stevan Brown and Bryon Hutcheson.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Louise Yardley may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.