John "Jake" R. Elifrits

John Ralph "Jake" Elifrits was born on Lincoln Creek near Fillmore, Missouri on November 7, 1943. He was the son of Forrest E. and Roberta L. (Lance) Elifrits.

Jake graduated from Fillmore High School. He attended Maryville Technical School, and also attended Vatterott College for two years. Jake served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1963 to 1969.

He started playing music at a young age, and loved a good softball game or pitch tournament. Ball and music were his first loves until he married Carolyn Sue McIntyre on July 20, 1968.

Jake passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at the Oregon Care Center at the age of 69.

Preceding him in death were his parents and two sisters, Lucille Stinnett and Bonnie Lee Sollars.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn, of Oregon; his five children and their spouses, Dixie and Nick Sevin of Oregon, Penny Elifrits of Oregon, John and Mandy Elifrits of Oregon, Mary Lue and Christopher Curry of Centerton, Arkansas, and Caleb and Alishea Elifrits of Imperial, Missouri; seven grandchildren, John Pierce Elifrits, Hayden and Wyatt Elifrits, Christian Sevin, Avery Elifrits, and Kassidy and Gabriel Curry; brothers and sisters-in-law, Laverne and Sharon Elifrits of Gower, Missouri, Chad and Karen Elifrits of St. Joseph, Missouri, and Rex and Jo Elifrits of Oregon; sisters and brothers-in-law, Juanita Steeby of Fillmore; Sharon and Ray Graeff of Stewartsville, Missouri, Lotus Woodruff of St. Joseph; and Cindy and Jeff Sollars of Maysville, Missouri; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jake enjoyed working on his tractors. Helping others in need, often through music benefits, gave him great joy. Above all, he loved being surrounded by his family and friends.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Chamberlain Funeral Home in Oregon. Family  greeted friends one hour prior to services. A private family graveside service was held at Fillmore Cemetery.