Interment:

Ozark Cemetery near Houston, MO

Obituary:

Oneta Fern (Aldridge) Holloway was born November 18, 1927 in Texas County Missouri. She departed this earth on July 20, 2019 at the age of 91 in Springfield, Missouri surrounded by her beloved family. Oneta was the third of six children born to Luther and Tennie (Ice) Aldridge. Oneta married Claude Nipper in 1948, and they had one child Glenda (Nipper) Malam. Oneta married James Kissock in 1951 and gave birth to a son James A. Kissock. In 1959, Oneta married Leonard Holloway and together they had two children, Tennie (Holloway) Phinney and Nita (Holloway) Collins. Oneta was a loving mother and enjoyed traveling and making precious memories with her family. She often spent winters in Texas, Florida, and Arizona with Leonard where she enjoyed playing games and visiting with friends. When home, she loved fishing local ponds and lakes.

Oneta spent her life serving others as an educator. She began her teaching career in the Grogan one-room schoolhouse, with grades first through eighth.  She went on to serve children throughout Texas and Howell counties before her retirement in 1979 from Willow Springs Elementary School.

Throughout her life Oneta was passionate about baseball and softball, even coaching her church's softball team through several undefeated seasons. Later in life, Oneta became an avid Cardinal's fan and rarely missed watching a game. Even in her last days, she knew the Cardinal's schedule and player's names and statistics. She was also passionate about her church and her relationship with Christ. She took pleasure in reading her Bible daily and regularly attended First Freewill Baptist in Cabool, Missouri where she was actively involved in a variety of church activities until her move to Springfield. While in Springfield, she attended Southern Heights Bible Church and enjoyed many lasting friendships.

Oneta was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, and five siblings, Juanita (Aldridge) Irish, Herman Aldridge, Laveta (Aldridge) Kelley, Thurman Aldridge, and infant Martha Sue Aldridge. She is survived by her children Glenda (James) Malam of Springfield, Missouri; James (Dee) Kissock of Holts Summit, Missouri; Tennie J. (Randy) Phinney of Rogersville, Missouri; Nita (Ron) Collins of Cabool, Missouri; 16 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Oneta was kind and generous to others especially those in need.  She aged gracefully and maintained a sweet and gentle spirit until the time of her peaceful passing.