May 29, 2008

Former Ava resident, Nancy (Hale) Burks, age 47, passed away May 25 in Joplin, Mo. following a sudden illness. Nancy, the daughter of Bill and Betty Hale, was born Sept. 5, 1960 and lived in Ava throughout her childhood. Nancy owned and operated a beauty salon in Ava for several years before moving to Joplin in 1987. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Betty Hale; her beloved husband, Richard Burks; and a brother, Edward Sparkman. Survivors include her daughter, Catherine Mallory, of Joplin, and daughter, Amanda Hatfield and son-in-law Joel, of Kentucky; six beloved grandchildren, Austin, Desirae, Dusty, Dillian, William, and Kayla; sister Janie Magdziarz, of Springfield; brother Rick Hale, of Conway; and a host of other loving friends and family. Nancy was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, and a very dear friend to many. She will be forever remembered for her kind heart and fun-loving spirit. Memorial services will be held today (Thursday, May 29) at 1 p.m., at the chapel at Forrest Park Baptist Church in Joplin under the direction of Mason-Woodard Funeral home of Joplin.