NAOMI LOIS BAVOUSETT CROSBY

May 6, 1935 - June 4, 2026

Sixteen.

Carnival Queen.

Could converse in fluent Pig Latin.

Liked to conduct scientific experiments, like seeing how far a wad of gum would stretch through the house.

Author of humorous and poignant poems.

A tireless worker.

Released from suffering today.

Glory glory Hallelujah

— Thank you, Aunt Sandy!

Loving wife of 65 years to Charles Crosby

Mother of Debra, Kristen, Eric (1959-1990), and Elizabeth

Grammy of Cortney, Jessie, John Michael, Andrew, Logan, and Brock

“She made herself stronger by fighting with the wind.”

from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Snookie was born to Edgar and Eugenia (Pullen) Bavousett in Mesilla Park, New Mexico, and enjoyed growing up with her four siblings - Phyllis Jean, Conrad, Joey, and Sandy - in Las Cruces. She and Chuck were married in 1961, and embarked upon a nomadic life of entrepreneurship, hard work, and dedication to each other. After raising their kids, their leisure travels began. These retirement years were highlighted by many memorable cruises and happy odysseys across and beyond the United States. She was thrilled with each exciting adventure.

Snookie was always happy to share her delicious New Mexico cuisine with others. No one made a better stacked red enchilada (gotta have that fried egg on top!), and her chile rellenos were nothing short of legendary. (Those rellenos helped one of her daughters seal the deal with her future husband ... he couldn't resist them!)

Snookie loved all animals, and her home was never without some kind of pet and/or farm animal. Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, regular pigs, sheep and lambs, cows and calves, horses. She was kind and gentle with every one of them.

Grammy loved music and flowers. She whistled and sang throughout most days, and a beautiful piece of music could always touch her heart. She completed Master Gardeners courses and found joy and wonder in her flowers. She was especially fond of her wildflower gardens. How lovely they were!

“You belong among the wildflowers, you belong somewhere you feel free” from Wildflowers by Tom Petty.

Snookie will be deeply missed and always remembered. A memorial service will be held Saturday morning, June 27, 2026 at Cassidy Church, 5151 N. Fremont, Nixa, Missouri 65714. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the service following at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Snookie’s name to any organization you may support, or the Compassion Fund at Cassidy Church.

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