Mildred Louise Haynes Beecham, 94, of Cherokee, died July 22, 2023, at Medicalodge in Columbus. Born April 8, 1929 in Cherokee, Louise was the daughter of James Clifford and Helen Irene (Hack) Mason. She graduated from Crawford Community High School May 14, 1947. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother Richard Mason, two sisters, Henrietta Ghilino and Charlotte Ulery; one grandson. Johnny Vietti and three step-children Doug Beecham, Pamela Jaege, and Paula Atkinson.
Louise and Ralph Herbert Haynes, of Cherokee, were united in marriage May 15, 1947. They had one son, Rodney Haynes, wife Valinda; and three daughters, Joyce Vietti, husband Anthony, Sharon Brenner, husband George, and Debbie Smith, husband David. Ralph preceded her in death February 26, 1970 in El Dorado, where they lived at the time.
Louise married John Holly Beecham November 10, 1973. They resided in Cherokee until his death November 16, 1995. She remained in their home until July of 2019 when she moved to Autumn Place Assisted Living in Columbus.
Louise is survived by four children and their spouses; her sister Betty Burton; brother Jim Mason; five grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and two greatgreat grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Derfelt Funeral Home, July 31 at 10:30 a.m. From there, burial will be at Cherokee Cemetery. Reverend Jamie Tickel from First Baptist Church in Joplin, Missouri, along with grandson Jason Smith, will officiate. Pallbearers will be Chad Mc-Quillen, Jason Smith, Kory Kimrey, Kyler Vena, Colton Mungle, and Michael Smith. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church of Cherokee, where Louise attended church for many years.