Matilda Eftink

Matilda Rachel Horrell was born Feb 11, 1930 to Dennis and Caroline (Laurentius) Horrell of Glennon Mo. She was the youngest of five children with four older brothers: Leo, Ed, Louis, and Rob. She attended St Anthony's Catholic Church and Grade School in her home town and St Mary's High School in Cape Girardeau. While in high school, she worked as a candy striper at St Francis hospital.

Matilda married Robert Joseph Eftink in 1949, and resided with him in Portageville on his family farm. They were blessed with a large, happy family and Matilda found her calling to be that of a farmer's wife and busy mother of nine. Full of resolve and grace, she devoted her life to the care of her loved ones, especially her handicapped son, Bobby. Her extreme work ethic, unwavering spirit, and unconditional love became the foundation for the entire family, taking root in her children and grandchildren, as well.

She was a faith-filled Christian and an active member of St Eustachius Catholic Church. She enjoyed serving as a Eucharistic Minister, and loved participating in Our Lady's Sodality organization. She found strength in honoring the Blessed Mother and prayed the rosary at all hours of the day.

When she wasn't praying, she was in her kitchen cooking one meal after another. She loved to host big family gatherings and feed people, making sure that no one ever left her house hungry and that everyone had dessert. Her grandchildren will attest there was always room for ice cream and popsicles at "Granny's house". She even shared her favorite Butterfinger candy bar with them from her hidden stash.

She was small in stature but fierce in heart. She loved a competitive game of cards and was quite the expert at "Kings in the Corner", even beating Robert a time or two. Another favorite pastime was crossword puzzles. She said puzzles kept her mind sharp. Indeed, her ability to recall dates was unparalleled. She remembered birthdates and anniversaries of not only her immediate family, but extended family and friends also.

She was kind and gentle and always thought of others, putting their needs before her own. She was truly a humble servant of God.

Matilda was preceded in death by her parents, her three bothers Leo, Louis, and Ed, her husband Robert and infant daughter Mary Caroline. She leaves behind her brother Rob and her children: Bobby Eftink of Portageville MO, Maurice (Susan) Eftink of Oxford MS, Gerard (Pam) Eftink of Kansas City MO, Marion (Donna) Eftink of Houston TX, Mary Beth Corgan of Cape Girardeau MO, Kathy (Sam) Walker of Memphis TN, Pat (Aimee) Eftink of Tampa FL, Joanie (Bud) DeLisle of Portageville MO, and Eric (Angela) Eftink of Memphis TN.

Her amazing legacy continues with 23 grandchildren: Jacob Eftink, Anna Kate (Patrick)Miller, JJ (Erin) Eftink, Rachel (BJ) Cary, Jim(Lauren) Eftink, Lindsey (Shelby) Rounsaville, Abby Eftink, Tyler (Victoria) Eftink, Chad (Emily) Corgan, Kyle (Jane) Corgan, Candice Corgan, Amanda Walker, Allison Walker, Jenna (Cabot) Brown, Nicholas (Alexis) Eftink, Jackson Eftink, Mallery Campbell, Wayne (Meagan) DeLisle, Emily DeLisle, Landon DeLisle, Chelsea (Tyler) Banko, Aaron (Harley) Eftink, and Alexis Eftink.

She had 21 great-grandchildren: Emilea and Bryson Miller, Jocelyn and Aiden Cary, Anna and Ellie Eftink, Olivia Scheffer, Sloane Rounsaville, Juniper and Laurel Corgan, Tillie Corgan, Isla and Chase Brown, Xander DeLisle, Whit, Mattie, and Marilyn DeLisle, Cohen, Lillie, and Dayton Banko, and Ander Eftink.

All of whom she adored until her last breath.