Minnie Mae Pastrovich, 98, of Walshville, died on Monday, March 3, 2025, in the comfort of her home with her daughter by her side in Walshville.
A visitation will be held at Becker and Sons Funeral Home, in Mount Olive, from 9 to 11 a.m., on Monday, March 10. A funeral service will follow with Pastor Ritter officiating. Everyone who knew and loved Mrs. Pastrovich is welcome to attend her committal into her final resting place at Elm Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Litchfield. There will be a reception to follow at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Hall in Mount Olive.
Mrs. Pastrovich was born on May 1, 1926, in Valley Park, MO. She was the daughter of Benjamin Franklin Ellsworth Bright and Minnie Deliah Rue Bright. She was raised in Valley Park, MO, and the baby of eleven children. After dating for three years, she married the love of her life, Franklin Arthur Pastrovich, at the age of 18, on May 6, 1944.
Mrs. Pastrovich was a homemaker, farmer’s wife, amazing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. For years, she cared for her children, her husband, and helped on the family farm. She never stopped moving. She was always busy taking care of housework, chores on the farm, washing, cleaning and making sure everyone was cared for and felt loved.
Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Pastrovich, knew only of her kindness and gentleness. Her love was expressed through her joy and strength for cooking; from her famous homemade apple strudel and meringue pies to her delicious hamburgers. She absolutely loved reading and she read for as long as her eyes would allow her the privilege. Going to “the boat” with her late husband, shopping with her daughter, and spending time with granddaughter, Susan, and her great-grandchildren, Evan and Isabella, were her greatest joys.
Mrs. Pastrovich is survived by her daughter of 73 years, Linda Susan Leonard-White (Gary) of Litchfield; son, James (Jane) Pastrovich of Litchfield; four grandchildren, Susan Christine Emelander (Derek) of Monmouth, Sarah Marie Hayford (Matt) of Galesburg, Jennifer (Brian) Reid of Litchfield and Kathryn (Jacob) Wilkinson of Hillsboro; and nine great-grandchildren, Evan Emerlander, Isabella Emerlander, Emma Reid, Olivia Reid, Claire Reid, Kylee Pastrovich, Colby Wilkinson, Casen Wilkinson and Ledger Wilkinson.
She was preceded in death by her parents; ten siblings, Clyde, Leonard, Earl, Fred, Myrtle, Hattie, Bess, Gladys, Eleanor and Charlotte; husband, Frank Arthur Pastrovich; and their first-born son, Eugene Arthur Pastrovich, a private in the United States Marine Corps, who gave his life during the Vietnam War in 1967.
Memorials are suggested to St. Judes, Mount Olive Academic Foundation and Shriners Hospital. Becker and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Anyone wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.beckerandson.com.
