A picture of Mr. George Whitaker Ivie.

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“Won't you sing me back home, with the song I used to hear? Make my old memories come alive, take me away and turn back the years.” -Merle Haggard

George Whitaker Ivie was born July 12th, 1935 in Wyatt, Missouri, and passed away March 20th, 2019 in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. He is survived by his wife of 60 years: Joy Ivie, his two daughters: Cheryl Ivie Marshall (Husband: Todd Marshall) and Teresa Ivie Rowe (Husband: Jimmy Rowe), his four grandchildren: Jessica Rowe Halcomb (Husband: Anthony Halcomb), Abbie Rowe Tyson (Husband: Adley Tyson), Van Marshall, and Mayme Marshall, and his four great grandchildren: Ivie Jo Halcomb, Steven Tyson, Charlie Tyson, and Oliver Halcomb. For 80 years, George was an exceptionally devoted, loving, and doting son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and "Papa."

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The following was written by one of George's granddaughters, before he passed:


"My grandpa was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2012. Over the past few years, his mental and physical condition have rapidly declined, as Alzheimer's is a progressive disease. Quite honestly, it's nearly impossible to verbalize how greatly my heart often yearns to return to a time when he had a fully functioning mind.

He endlessly loved and supported me for 24 years, and has always enjoyed hearing me sing. Last night, my grandma played the piano while I sang for him. Most days he doesn't know who I am, but when I sing to him he looks at me the way he used to. He gives me a kind of reassuring look one gives when they want you to know you're not alone. For a moment, it's as if all is perfectly normal and who I am is abundantly clear to him.

While he can no longer formulate sentences that accurately convey what he's trying or wants to say, he reaffirms his love for me by grabbing my hand. It's almost like it's his way of saying "I haven't forgotten everything. I know exactly who you are, I love you, and the "Papa" you've always known is still right here." That brings me peace. Still, I can't help but feel resentful toward the cards he's been dealt.

I want him to have the ability to talk to me about life and the "good ole' days." That's selfish, I know, but it seems immensely unfair that 80 years worth of memories can be stripped from someone so quickly. I hold every memory very close to my heart and frequently call them to mind. I wish he could recall them, too.

Over the past few years, I've watched his memories disappear from his mind, but they can't be stolen from mine. Memories are so valuable. Don't take them or those you've shared or created them with for granted. While they should last forever, for some, they don't.

-Mayme"


George’s love for his family was boundless. He had an enormous heart, relentless work ethic, infectious smile, and indelible spirit. He left a lasting impression on those who knew him well, and on those who didn't. He had a humble, effortlessly positive impact on countless lives, and was so gracious in earning the love and respect of everyone around him.

George is "home." And for the many people who loved him, memories of George will continue to "come alive," assuring that his influence on the world will remain as quietly profound as it was before his passing. George Whitaker Ivie will be forever missed, but never forgotten.

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If any of you are familiar with Alzheimer's or have experienced it firsthand, you know how cruel the disease is. It's incredibly challenging to not feel overwhelming anger and resentment when witnessing all that the disease strips from your loved one. It morphs the person you know so well into someone entirely unrecognizable.

The disease not only disintegrates your loved one's ability to recognize those closest to them, but they're also unable to recognize themselves. To say it's absolutely heartbreaking is an understatement, and my heart goes out to those of you who've had to experience the tremendous heartache that Alzheimer’s causes. If someone you love is currently living with the disease, please know that it's ok to cry, be angry, feel helpless, and hopeless. You're entitled to feel all of those emotions, and then some.

You don't have to "be strong," put up a front, or suffer in silence: your loved one wouldn't want you to do any of those things. Lean on those around you for support and try your best to find the silver lining, especially at times when it feels as though one doesn't exist. Most importantly, frequently let whoever's suffering from Alzheimer's know that they're not alone, as there may come a day they can no longer come to that conclusion without being reminded of it.