LaFern McLain Cissell Stiver

LaFern "Mick" McLain Cissell Stiver passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones, on December 24, 2025, at the age of 97. She was a remarkable woman, whose warm spirit, keen sense of humor, and boundless love for her family, friends, and students touched the lives of everyone she met. Born on May 15, 1928, in Oriole, Missouri, to Lawrence J. and Pearl Noland McLain, LaFern grew up in a lively country setting. Her parents ran an all-merchandise store until 1940, and LaFern attended Indian Creek rural school before the family moved to Jackson. She started high school there, but the events of WWII led the family to relocate to St. Louis, where her parents worked in small arms production for our armed forces. LaFern graduated from Soldan High School in St. Louis and went on to Harris Teacher's College for two years. In 1947, LaFern married Robert Cissell, and they welcomed their son, Mike, in 1949. After relocating to Perryville, Missouri, in 1957, she began teaching at the rural Duggins School and later Wilhelm School. With determination, she continued her education at SEMO while teaching full time, completing her degree during nights and summers. LaFern became a beloved teacher in Cape Girardeau schools in 1964, shortly after the passing of her first husband. It was at Franklin School that she met and married Charles Stiver. She was deeply passionate about her work, and her students held a special place in her heart. She had a unique way of making learning fun and meaningful, leaving an indelible mark on all who were lucky enough to be in her classroom. Outside of teaching, LaFern's life was full of joy, laughter, and hobbies that enriched her soul. She was an avid reader, talented knitter, and devoted card player-her Bridge group was a highlight of her social life. She also had a deep love of travel, having visited 32 countries and collecting memories along the way. LaFern was a proud member of the Nancy Hunter Chapter of the D.A.R. and dedicated years to researching her genealogy, even writing a history of the McLain Clan. In recent years, she enjoyed "friendly" games of dominoes with friends, the birds outside her window, DQ Blizzards, and writing her memoir. Her faith was central to her life, and she was an active member of Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church, where she worked tirelessly and proudly to save the old church, and to preserve its rich history. LaFern co-authored the book Old St. Vincent Church: A Pictorial and Historical Sketch of Catholicism in Cape Girardeau. She also founded the Perpetual Care Fund for several rural cemeteries, including McLain's Chapel and Iona Cemeteries. LaFern was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Michael Joseph Cissell, her daughter-in-law, Sherry Seabaugh Cissell, and her daughter, Shari Stiver. Her legacy lives on in her stepson, Charles (Skip) Stiver; her three grandsons, Chris (Heather) Cissell, Ben (Rhondi) Cissell, and Ellwood Stiver; her two granddaughters, Tara (Cliff) Marvin and Christy (Steven) Rankin; as well as many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a circle of friends who cared for her dearly, including Janet & Blake Esicar, Jan Halter, Bill Osburn, Sebrina Crossett, Ken Steinhoff, and Mary Jo Stiver. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday, December 29, 2025 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau, with Parish Prayer and Rosary at 4:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Old St. Vincent's Church at 131 S. Main St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703. Visit OldStVincents.org (http://oldstvincents.org/) for more information. LaFern's impact on this world was profound, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

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LaFern McLain Cissell Stiver

May 15, 1928 - December 24, 2025