Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Davis Millsap, beloved and cherished wife of the late James Edward Millsap, passed peacefully on December 28, 2012, in the home she and he built together fifty years ago. For Libby, life and that home were about familythe one into which she was born as the daughter of Joseph F. Davis and Georgia Ireland Davis on July 23, 1917, the one she and Jim created with their five children, and the one that extended to include her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and friends. Surviving this cherished mother are her children Linda Millsap Benson (Jerry), Dave Millsap (Carolyn), Chris Millsap, Paula Millsap, and Joe Millsap (Pam); grandchildren Susan Benson Zaugg (Chris), Ryan Millsap (Shelly), Eric Millsap, Curtis Millsap (Sarah), Adam Millsap (Melissa), Amanda Millsap Owen (Ryan), and Baxter Millsap; twenty much-treasured great-grandchildren, and a host of equally loved nieces and nephews. Libby's parents founded the Davis Pure Sweets Candy Company, and she worked there as a candy maker and clerk while she attended Greenwood High School. At Greenwood, she and "Jimmy" met and developed the romance that made them the loves of each other's lives. They graduated in 1935 (she was that year's Fair Greenwood) and married a few years later when he became the superintendent (as well as teacher and custodian) at Highlandville High School. World War II took them to Chicago where Jim, a Navy lieutenant, taught military communication skills. Together, they set a sterling example of companionate marriage as Libby supported Jim's career as salesman and then co-owner of Hermann-Brownlow Automotive. Jim and Libby also played together and enjoyed a great circle of friends who, like them, loved to fish and dance and garden. Their children smile to remember those good times. Though Jim's death in 1972 devastated Libby, as must be done, she moved ahead with life, propelled by her love for her children and the friends who supported her. But she never removed her wedding rings and throughout her forty years without Jim, she always thought of herself as the wife of "the handsomest man of all." She also loved sports, whether her children were playing or not. She never missed a televised Payne Stewart golf match, and mourned with that family when they lost him. She became an avid Lady Bears fan. For years, she and Paula (one of the original Lady Bears) cheered them on from their courtside seats. Even after age dictated that she stay home, she found great pleasure in tv and radio broadcasts of the games and vigorously celebrated their victories. An avid outdoors person, she loved to float the beautiful streams of the Ozarks. She and Jim provided much river fun for their children, who have never forgotten those pleasures and who keep those traditions with their children and grandchildren. Her favorites were the James and Buffalo Rivers, but she would happily go anywhere there was water with fish to catch. Hours of river time with son Dave as her guide and lake time in the company of Jerry, her favorite (and only) son-in-law, were among her greatest pleasures. Simply, where there was water, you could find Libby with a fishing pole in hand going after the "big one," which, by the way, she usually landed, along with bragging rights! And as with the fish of the stream, she loved the birds of the air and took great joy in keeping feeders around her house full and watching the birds that flocked to them, especially the antics of those tiny hummingbirds. As a faithful and active member of South Street Christian Church for all of her 95 years, Libby will be remembered as a woman who loved God and served Him well by walking the path of a Christian life. She provided unconditional love and compassion and support as it was needed to her near and dear and other of life's travelers along her way. In keeping with the idea of serving others, she was an effective volunteer for the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, and, for twenty-five years, with Meals on Wheels, where she served in many roles, including terms as president of the board. Hers was a life well-lived. She was beloved and cherished by all who came in contact with this small woman with the huge spirit. Mostly, however, she was Mom, or Aunt Libby, or Manny to those who basked in her love. Manny, the name bestowed on her by Susan, the oldest grandchild, when she was a toddler, became the affectionate name used by all who are her grands and great-grands-- and many of their friends. All knew that if they were in need of a peaceful place of respite or wise advice, they would find it with this loving woman. Her home provided the setting for several family weddings and was the gathering place for the extended Millsap clan, where the annual 4th of July party might find upwards of 120 relatives and friends enjoying great food and incredible fireworks in the valley. The memory of her kindnesses and those times will live in and warm the hearts of those left in this world without her. Though she was tired of not being well, Libby loved this life. From only three weeks ago, something of that zest is revealed in the response she made when her doctor asked how she was doing. She replied, "I'm too young to die. But this body is just too old to live." Now her spirit dwells in the house of the Lord with her beloved husband and the many other loved ones who have passed before her. Even as we know that God surely recognized her as good and faithful servant, here, we already and always will miss our Libby, Mother, Manny, Aunt Libby. A memorial service will be held Friday, January 4 at 1:30 p.m. at South Street Christian Church and will be followed with a reception in the narthex before graveside services in Maple Park. In memory of Libby's lifelong membership in the church, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, people might consider remembering her with a donation to the South Street Church Foundation, Libby Millsap Memorial Fund (South Street Christian Church, 500 South Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806), or to Meals on Wheels .