Jacqueline Litten, age 90, died peacefully surrounded by her family on January 29, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri. Jackie, as she was known to all, was born on July 24, 1934, in Nevada, Missouri, to Leslie L. (Jack) Beshore and Gladys A. Marple. She graduated from Nevada High School and lived in Nevada until 1997 when she and her son, Kurtis, moved to Webb City, Missouri.
She married the love of her life, James (Jim) Litten, at his parent’s home on July 11, 1959, in Springfield, Missouri. Jim preceded her in death in 1993. They had one son, Kurtis, who preceded her in death.
Jackie worked as telephone operator in Nevada for the Bell Telephone Company for many years before her job became obsolete. She and Jim were in the restaurant business for many years, owning and operating Huff’s Truck Stop and later, the West Side Café, on the Nevada square. For some years after that, they owned and operated Litten’s Service Station. She was a fabulous cook and was best known for her homemade noodles.
A woman who insisted on living in her own home, Jackie leaves her dearest friend and neighbor, Jan Watson, who was a true friend to Jackie and Jackie’s family the past few years. Jackie’s companion was Dolly, her beloved cat, who has found a home with Jackie’s family in Nevada.
Jackie leaves her brother-in-law, David Litten (Betsy McReynolds), and their family.
She will be interred at Newton Burial Park next to Kurtis and Jim at a private burial service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Moss House, Nevada, Missouri in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
