MARIE BUXTON: Marie lived a long and full life, in which she derived great pleasure in helping others. An only child, Marie was born right before the depression on January 20, 1928. She was raised in Dixon, Missouri, where she graduated from high school. She entered SMS in 1946, and received a degree in Home Economics and a minor in Art and graduated in 1950. While at SMS, she was a drummer in the drum corps and a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. Upon graduation, she taught Home Economics in Morrisville, Bolivar, and Fair Grove, MO. She married Leon Buxton on May 20, 1951 in St. Paul United Methodist Church in Springfield, where she was a member for 67 years. She was a devoted wife and mother, encouraging her children, Phil and Renee, to live up to their God-given potential and modeled a life of service. Marie's entire adult life was spent thinking of others and this unselfish attitude was displayed by her involvement in many organizations over the years. Her acts of service were based on her belief in Christ, displaying love in action. Among the numerous ways she volunteered were as the Girls Youth Director at the Optimist Club, Sigma Kappa Sorority Alum group, PTA President, scout leader for both cub and Girl Scout troops, charter member and officer of the HEIH (Home Economists in Homemaking) , charter member and officer of the Rosettes Garden Club, the past President of OPTI-Mrs. Club of Springfield, past officer of the Springfield Little Theater Auxiliary, volunteer with the Springfield Council of Churches, the Ozarks Food Harvest, Crosslines, Meals on Wheels and with the Ozark Public Television Auction. Aside from these worthy causes, Marie had two life-long passions: Girl Scouts and St. Paul United Methodist Church. She continued her volunteering with the Girl Scouts in Springfield long after her daughter grew up. She served in many positions for more than 35 years including Girl Scout Troop leader, summer day camp volunteer and worked with cookie sales, serving as cookie organizer, instructor and facilitator each year until the mid-2000's. Marie said she was "true green" because she loved Girl Scouting and felt it was invaluable for girls. Her faithful work with the Girl Scouts was recognized with 4 significant awards. At the time of her death, she still belonged to the church where she was married. She served on the Education Committee, Chair of the Historical Committee and served on the Administrative Council as well as Wedding Coordinator and many other committees. She served faithfully in the United Methodist Women's Group and held every office in the Springfield District of the United Methodist Women, and served in many leadership positions in Church Women United. Marie also served on the Wesley Board for Methodist Students at SMSU and worked with the Ozarks Methodist Manor. In 1994, Marie was presented with the "GIFT OF TIME" award from the City of Springfield as Volunteer of the Year and her picture graces the wall in City Hall today. Marie was an avid fan and loved attending the Missouri State Bears basketball games and Springfield Cardinals baseball games with Leon. Her grandchildren, Audrey, Matt and Brad, were her pride and joy and she attended every single sport, concert, or any event they were involved in. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Sallie and Casper Misel, her older brother who died at birth and her husband, Leon Buxton. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Phil and Joyce Buxton of Springfield, MO; her daughter and son-in-law, Renee and Greg Campbell of Rogers, AR; her grandchildren, Audrey Buxton, Matt Campbell and Brad Campbell; a sister-in-law, Louise Law of Houston, TX.; many loving nieces and nephews and her long-time and devoted good friends, Wanda and Harold Boyd of Springfield, MO.