Nellie M. Baunhofer age 86, of Joplin, passed away on Tuesday August 14, 2012, at Spring River Christian Village.

Nellie was born on December 14, 1925 in West Plains, Mo., the daughter of Thomas W. and Mary Victoria (Smith) Hart. She attended West Plains schools in a one-room schoolhouse. She resided most of her life in Joplin, after marrying Ray W. Baunhofer on February 9, 1946 in Columbus, Ks. He predeceased her on April 13, 2001. Nellie was primarily a homemaker. Ray & Nellie owned and operated a Dairy Bar in Columbus, Ks., and an Poor Boy Furniture & Antique’s on S. Main Street in Joplin many years ago. She was a member of Forest Park Baptist Church & also volunteered at the ARM Greeting Card Outreach Prison Program on N. Main in Joplin.She enjoyed crocheting and making hand made gifts for her family and friends. Most of all she was a very loving and giving mother, grandmother, and friend.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray W. Baunhofer; a son, Dale Baunhofer, and a daughter, Shirley Croley; a brother, Willard Hart; and three sisters, Mildred McGraw, Beatrice Girdley, and Viola Davis.

She is survived by one sister, Elizabeth Ledbetter, West Plains, Mo.; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Reverend John Swadley will officiate. Burial will be in Mt Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. Friday prior to the service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.