Vera Maxine Lancaster, age 96, of Memphis, Missouri passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

    She was born September 20, 1929 in Granger, Missouri, the youngest of eight children of Robert Rex and Corella Belle O’Day Sample.

    She spent her childhood on the farm, north of Granger. Her early education was spent in a one room country school, Black Oak School. She graduated from Granger High School in the Class of 1947. She received her Master’s Degree at Northeast Missouri State University, now Truman State University, in special reading.

    She taught school in Scotland County, Missouri for 24 years. Prior to teaching, she served as board treasurer of Kerr Grain and Seed, Inc., where her husband Bob was vice-president. Her first job was in 1947 working for the late Duffy Hudnall, County Recorder, in the Memphis Courthouse, with a salary of less than $100 per month.

    On November 20, 1950 she married Bob Lancaster at the Memphis United Methodist Church, and to this union two children were born.

    Most of her leisure time was spent cooking for family and friends. Maxine was an avid reader. She loved God and was guided by a simple yet deep faith. She was active in the Memphis United Methodist Church, served on the church board and supporter of Camp Jo-Ota.

    Maxine is survived by her son, Kris Lancaster of Kansas City, Missouri; her daughter, Kim Lancaster of Dallas, Texas; two grandchildren Kit and his wife Rachel Szybala and Tucker and his wife Kristin Szybala; four great-grandchildren, Natalie, Rhett, Max, and Ellie Szybala; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

    She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Lancaster in 1962, four brothers, Hilbert, Robert, Hilton, and John and three sisters, Maevis, Merle, and Mary.

     A Memorial Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026, at the Memphis United Methodist Church in Memphis, Missouri.

    The family will receive friends Monday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.

    A private family graveside service will be in the Memphis Cemetery in Memphis, Missouri.

    An expression of sympathy in memory of Maxine Lancaster may be left to the Memphis United Methodist Church and/or Camp Jo-Ota Methodist Youth Association. A memorial may be left at or mailed to the Memphis Funeral Home 378 S. Market Street, Memphis, Missouri 63555.