Lovina R. Alderton Raleigh Obituary

Lovina R. Alderton Raleigh, 85, of Ewing, MO passed away at 6:16 AM, Monday, December 8, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:30 AM, Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery in Ewing, MO. Rev. Elmer Hagood will officiate.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ball-Davis Funeral Home in Ewing, MO.

Lovina was born on October 15,1940, in Durham, MO to David Owen Alderton and Leila Blanch Clow. She married William “Bill” Gerald Raleigh, Sr. in Walls, MS, on May 28, 1958. He survives.

Her children include: Sheila (Phil) Pennington, Peggy (Eric) Brown, DeAnn (Brad) Gosney, William Gerald (Sharon) Raleigh, Jr., Judy (Clyde) Patterson, David (Debbie) Raleigh, Jeri (Mark) Waterman, Grandchildren, Kevin Krietemeyer, Jill Arch, Andy Krietemeyer, Diana DeMoss, Dustin Johnston, Samantha Saxbury, Katie Berhorst, Hannah Allen, Steve Raleigh, Stephanie Welch, Tabitha Patterson, Zach Patterson, Chance Raleigh, Alex Raleigh, Haley Mester, many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, brother, Lyndon Alderton, sisters, Zelma McMullen and Luella Featherlin and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lovina was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Sheila Pennington, brothers, David Alderton, Charles Alderton and sister, Carolyn Stice.

Lovina was a woman whose life was defined by deep faith and an unwavering love for her family. She began her career at Motorola before proudly owning and operating the “Cougar Den” restaurants, later spending several years caring for others at Prairie View and Country Aire Retirement Estate. Lovina adored her children and grandchildren unconditionally, never missing an opportunity to support them at their activities.

Creative and thoughtful, she enjoyed scrapbooking, quilting, puzzles, and exploring her passion for genealogy. Her home was always filled with cherished photos of family and friends, each a reminder of the love and memories she held close. Lovina also loved her church and found great joy in the fellowship of her church family. Her legacy is one of kindness, dedication, and a heart full of love.

She may have been small in stature, but she had a heart-and a will-big enough to fill any room. Fiercely loving and generous, she lived her faith with quiet strength and a genuine heart of gold. And while she could be stubborn enough to make even the most patient person throw up their hands, her strong will was part of the spark that made her unforgettable. She wasn’t perfect, and she’d be the first to tell you so-sometimes with a look that could stop you in your tracks. But beneath every sharp word was a woman who loved deeply, cared fiercely, and showed up in ways that truly mattered.

Lovina was a member of the Assembly of God Church.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Krietemeyer, Andy Krietemeyer, Dustin Johnston, Steve Raleigh, Alex Raleigh, Chance Raleigh and Zach Patterson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jill Arch, Diana DeMoss, Samantha Saxbury, Katie Berhorst, Hannah Allen, Tabitha Patterson, Haley Mester and Stephanie Welch.

Memorial contributions may be made to Country Aire Retirement Estate or Ewing Senior Housing.