Lillian Ione Newman Sunderwirth, 99, was born near El Dorado Springs on Sept. 21, 1910, the oldest daughter of Leland and Pearl Scott Newman and departed this life, June 11, 2010.
She received her education in Vernon County schools and received her cosmetology license from Mariwood Beauty College in 1935. She established a beauty shop in El Dorado Springs in 1937. She practiced 73 years, always helping the needy because she knew everyone liked to look nice even if they couldn’t afford it.
Lillian married Wilbert Sunderwirth, an attorney and judge, on Oct. 9, 1943. Wilbert had traveled all of the United States and Canada and played trombone with the Shrine Band. He preceded her in death on May 3, 1987.
Lillian was a very dedicated and active member of the community. She was a member of multiple clubs and organizations including: First Baptist Church of El Dorado Springs where she attended faithfully as long as her health allowed, National Hairdressers and Cosmetology, Grand Cross of Colors, El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, Royal Neighbors of America, Cedar County Library, Rainbow for Girls, Preserve our Past Society and many others.
Lillian was a long time faithful member of the Order of the Eastern Star. During this time she held the following offices:
* Worthy Matron 1953 Eastern Star El Dorado Springs Chapter 148
* District Deputy 42nd District of Missouri 1955
* Grand Organist of Missouri 1957
* Grand Warden 1963
* Grand Representative of Ontario Canada 1959-1963
*Assistant Committee Member of General Grand Chapter of Wisconsin 1973
* Grand Trailer of Missouri in 1960
* Grand Trailer in Wisconsin 1969-1972
Lillian had a passion for music and managed the El Dorado Springs Municipal Band for 55 years and had music ready for the first two weeks of the 2010 season. In 2003, the El Dorado Springs Lions Club, with permission from the City, dedicated and renamed the bandstand in the Park as the “Sunderwirth Band Stand.” The El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce dedicated the commemorative plate, “And the Band Played On and On And On...” to Lillian in 2009 for the Band’s 123rd anniversary.
She was named El Dorado Springs Citizen of the Year in 2001.
She served for three years as Elected District Musician of the Royal Neighbors and served as organist for Rest Haven for religious services since 1980.
In addition to her husband, Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Paul, and his wife Lillian; her brother-in-law, Orville Nicholas, and many other relatives.
She leaves to mourn her death: A dearly loved sister, Nellie Nicholas; two nieces, Anna Lee, and husband, Wayne Barker, and Paula Newman - all of El Dorado Springs; four nephews - Dannie Newman, and wife, Sharon - of El Dorado Springs, Larry Newman, and wife, Sherrie - of Stockton, Randy Newman, and friend, Lorrie - of Nixa, and Ricky Newman, and friend, Sally - of Humansville; nephews by marriage, Alfred and Stanley Sunderwirth; a niece, Betty Pollard; a dear person she called her other sister, Velda Faye King; and many other relatives and friends.
She loved people, met them with a smile and was dearly loved by many.
Services were held Tuesday, June 15, in Sheldon Chapel, El Dorado Springs, with Bro. Frank Haynes officiating. Richard Sunderwirth sang How Great Thou Art and The Old Rugged Cross. Elbert and Teri Biddlecome sang The Holy City. The pianist was Gail Ingle. Casketbearers were - Joe Levi, Jason Biddlecome, Ed Sprinkle, Mert Fogler, Steve Banks, Elbert Biddlecome and Gary Hardison.
Interment was in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under direction Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs,
