Rery Badgett

Rery Badgett
September 24, 1939 – November 29, 2025

Born in the heart of the Amazon rainforest on September 24, 1939, Rery entered the world under extraordinary circumstances. She was the daughter of Maria Luisa Frederiksen-whose parents had immigrated from Denmark to Bolivia to work in the rubber industry-and Dr. Luis Arce, a young Bolivian physician completing his community service in the remote region.

Throughout her life, Rery embraced many roles with grace and purpose. She was a devoted and loving mother to her six children-three born in Bolivia and three in the United States. She was also blessed with 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, who will continue to carry forward the values she instilled.

Rery attended Catholic schools and became a professional elementary school teacher in Bolivia. Her gift for nurturing young minds quickly became evident, and her exceptional talent was recognized by the German School in La Paz, which offered her a full, all-expenses-paid scholarship to pursue graduate studies in Germany. It was an extraordinary opportunity-but accepting it would have meant leaving her young children behind. Guided by her deep devotion to family, Rery chose to remain with them, a decision that reflected her steadfast priorities and loving heart.

She traveled throughout Latin America, Europe, and much of the United States. She loved nature and was fascinated by the diversity of cultures, music, and food; she never tired of admiring gardens, art and architecture. Attracted by the majestic beauty of the Ozarks, the tranquility of rural living, and the friendliness of people in Ava, she chose to make Squires her home.

For many years, she worked as a California Corrections Officer, but her heart was always in Ava, and she came home as often as she could. When she retired, she was grateful to spend more time at the senior center, attend shows at the Ava Theater, and visit the Farmer's Market.

Rery was a woman of many skills and passions-a talented seamstress who found joy in quilting, crocheting, and knitting. She loved cooking, baking, gardening, and treasure hunting. Her life was defined by love, resilience, and quiet strength. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness that lives on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit endures in the values she taught, the beauty she created, and the lives she touched.

Rery is survived by her children: Blanca Malpartida – Girard (Donald) of Santa Monica, California, Oscar Malpartida of Miami Beach, Florida, Sonia Nichols (Victor) of Newport Coast, California, Mark Badgett of Squires, Missouri, Joyce Bertrand Winkler (Otto) of Whitefish, Montanna, and Theresa Badgett of Sonora, California. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Rery will be Monday, December 15, 2025, at St. Leo the Great Church in Ava,Missouri, at 10:00 A.M. Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 A.M. Father Charles Peirano will be officiating. Rery will be buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Wasola, Missouri. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava, Missouri.