Beth Perkins, 89, of Marshall, MO died Thursday, January 15, 2026 at her home. Born January 16, 1936 to the late Ora Earl Anderson and Margaret Louise Tichenor Anderson in Napton, MO.
Beth worked at Central Dairy in Kansas City before she was married. Her mother died in an automobile accident November 1953 and she helped raise her younger siblings, Sam and Sara. Later in life she worked at the Sweet Springs Caring Center serving as Activities Director.
Monroe Perkins, 91, of Marshall, MO died Friday, January 16, 2026 at Kansas University Medical Center. Born June 18, 1934 to the late Charles Amos Perkins and Eliza Louise Crowder Perkins in the Cretcher Community.
Monroe worked at International Shoe Factory in Sweet Springs until his Grandpa Crowder, who was having trouble finding hired men, told him and his cousin, Leroy Kueker, if they wanted to work, he would give them each a third and he would take a third of what they raised on the farm and that started his full-time farming career. He was still helping with the hay crop last summer and hauling crops to the bins last fall at the age of 91. He also tilled gardens for friends in the spring. He was currently serving on Public Water Supply District #1 Board and had served on the Sweet Springs Board of Education.
Monroe and Beth’s mothers were teacher friends and they met while the Perkins were visiting at the Anderson’s. Monroe said on the way home “I’m going to marry that girl someday.” They dated for over four years before they were married.
Monroe and Beth began their life together more than 70 years ago on August 22, 1955 where they were united in marriage at the Peninusla Baptist Church in Blackwater.
They were known as the “Welcome Wagon” of the Cretcher Neighborhood. Any new family moving into the neighbor was welcomed by Monroe and received some goodies from Beth. Any time there was an illness or death in the community, Monroe and Beth were there to offer their support with food or anything they could do for the family. They did not know a stranger. They loved everyone and welcomed all into their home.
Monroe and Beth were very active in the Sweet Springs First Baptist Church. They knew Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and wanted to share their love of Jesus with everyone. Monroe was a deacon and Beth was a Sunday School Teacher, Nursery Worker, worked with Missions, and was Youth Leader for many years and was known by many of the youth as “Grandma Beth”. She took youth on Mission Trips and volunteered at Show-Me Christian Youth Home and was coordinator of Samaritan Purse Christmas Boxes for many years.
The grandkids enjoyed spending nights camping on the living room floor, making cookies, and gardening, and anything else they could get into. Grandpa Mo and Grandma Beth supported their grandchildren by attending their sporting events, school programs, and making homemade ice cream for their birthday parties.
Monroe and Beth are survived by three sons, Steve (Linda) and Greg (Jane) of Sweet Springs and Phil (Rebecca) of Marshall; six grandchildren, Brandon Perkins (Shelby), Chas Perkins (Ashley), Jenna Pearce, Abby Schroeder (Justin), Phillip Perkins (Crystal) and Cole Perkins; 13 great grandchildren, Jason Perkins, Braelynn, Chaseon, Ella, and Aidyn Perkins, Axyl, Timber, and Ryver Pearce, Avery, Owen, and Olivia Schroeder, Brantley and Whit Perkins, and a special granddaughter and her family Dani Bailey (Jake) and Jessie.
Beth is survived by her siblings, Tom Anderson (Carolyn) of Odessa, MO, Sam Anderson (Judy) of Sibley, MO and Sara Grantham (Richard) of Flora, MS and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her step-mother Christine Lusby Settles Anderson.
Monroe is survived by several nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Ailene Dennis Perkins; his sister, Phyllis Kimzey; and nephew, Jack Lillig.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, 10:30 a.m. at Marshall First Baptist Church with Rev. Bart Tichenor and Rev. Nathan St. Clair officiating. Inurnment will follow in Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Marshall First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Sweet Springs First Baptist Church or Show-Me Christian Youth Home of LaMonte, MO in care of Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com.