Neva Carol (Strong) Rourke, age 85 of Edina, MO, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2016, in Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO.

She was blessed on this earth with a long and happy life. Born February 12, 1931, to Lester and Grace Kennedy Strong of rural Knox City Missouri. She was a 1949 graduate of Edina High School. Neva and husband Delbert R. Rourke were united in marriage at the Edina Methodist Church on March 11, 1951.

Neva was a member of Bee Ridge United Methodist Church and as time passed, she became a member of the First Christian Church in Edina, MO with Delbert. She was also a member of Eastern Star, Matilda Order of the Eastern Star Chapter # 411 in Edina.

Farm life was her world and family her passion. Neva's every task and situation was handled with love, compassion and a big dose of laughter.  Neva enjoyed playing with the Friday night golf club, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and keeping up with their players.  Above all things, Neva cherished watching and hearing about her grandchildren's activities.

Neva was preceded in death by her father and mother, Lester and Grace Strong, a brother James L. Strong and nephew James W. Strong.

Surviving are husband Delbert R. Rourke of Edina, daughter Nakita Mangels and husband Don of Tulsa OK and son Kirk Rourke and wife Nancy of Kirksville MO. Also surviving are grandchildren Audra Miller of Tulsa OK, Max Rourke of Warrensburg MO, Abigail Rourke of Columbia MO and Faith Rourke of Kirksville MO. Also surviving are niece Carol Ahern and husband Phil of Montgomery City MO, nephew Larry Rourke and wife Donna of Mustang OK.  Other survivors include great-nephews Nathan Ahern, Ethan Ahern and Andy Strong, great-niece DeNea Hombs, step-grandson Kyle Mangels and wife Jalinda of Tulsa OK, step-grandson Mark Mangels and wife Jamie and 2 step-great granddaughters, Cora and Claire of St Louis MO.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, October 29, 2016, in the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO.  Reverend Dewayne Wellborn will officiate the services.  Burial will be in Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville, MO.

Music will be provided by Carol Hayes, organist and Phil Ahern, soloist.  Musical selections will be "Amazing Grace" and "In The Garden".

Casket bearers will be Kevin Strange, Mike Peters, Ethan Ahern, Nathan Ahern, David Morgret, Steve Miller and Andy Strong.  Honorary bearers will be Neva's close girlfriends.

Visitation will be held after 4 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2016, with family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO.

Memorials may be made to the Knox County Nutrition Site or the First Christian Church of Edina.

Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO, 63537.