Bernadine Iva Hinkson

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Bernadine Iva Hinkson, age 90, of Arnold, Mo., formerly of Poplar Bluff, passed away on June 17, 2019 in the company of family at Mercy Hospice South de Greeff Hospice House, St. Louis.

Iva, known affectionately as Ivy to many close family and friends, was born May 9, 1929 near Phillipsburg, Kan., the daughter of the late Earl and Mary Ann (Henry) Roller. As a young woman, Iva worked for the Kansas State Hospital System as a nurse’s and psychiatric aide, and was a homemaker for many years.

Iva was united in marriage to Dr. Bryce Alden Hinkson, M.D. on December 17, 1960 at the First United Methodist Church in Osawatomie, Kan.. Bryce and Iva made their home in Osawatomie, followed by moves to Leavenworth, Kan.; Fort Meade, South Dakota; and Poplar Bluff, where they lived for over 30 years. Bryce’s beloved Ivy was a loving and devoted wife and mother, running a tight ship at home taking care of most household and parenting duties. Iva’s support and encouragement made it possible for Bryce to pursue his life’s work, thus their loving partnership allowed for countless military veterans and their families to receive necessary assistance. Iva had more recently made her home with her daughter, Karen, in Arnold, Mo. as it became necessary for her and Bryce to be closer to their children.

Iva loved spending time with her family and was very proud of them. She was a voracious reader her entire life. She loved gardening and flowers, especially the homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers she enjoyed eating and sharing with friends and neighbors. She also enjoyed country music, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, animals, word puzzles, and going for rides in the car to see wildlife and flowers or to make an ice cream run.

In addition to her daughter, Karen Sue Hinkson of Arnold, Iva is survived by her son, Robert Charles Hinkson and his wife, Rose Mary (King) Hinkson of rural Kaiser, Mo.; grandchildren, Sara Smith of Jefferson City, Mo., Rachel (Josh) Bang of Auxvasse, Mo., Jonathan Pratt of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Elijah (Lillian) Hinkson of Jefferson City, and great-grandchildren Kayla and Lori Bang and Aiden Smith. She is also survived by sons, Herb (Cathy) Deines of Hays, Kan. and William E. (Donna) Deines of WaKeeney, Kan., and son-in-law, Charles Rhoades of WaKeeney, and their families, including eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Iva is survived by her brother Darrell “Bud” (Clara) Roller of Greeley, Colo. and numerous nieces and nephews.

Iva was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Bryce, daughters Polly (Deines) Rhoades and Mary Belle, infant great-grandson, Nathan Samuel Bang, sister, Pauline (Roller) Kappers, and brothers, Orval Dean Roller, Sr. and Donald Duane Roller.

Services: Celebration of Life visitation July 12, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and luncheon from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. at Hoffmeister South County Chapel, 1515 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO 63125. A committal service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery will follow the luncheon at 2:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Iva’s memory be made payable and mailed to Mercy South de Greef Hospice House, 10024 Kennerly Road, St. Louis, MO 63128.

Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HoffmeisterSouthCounty.com.

Paid