Carrie Lucille Eiffert

Carrie Lucille Eiffert (Lucy), 86, of Columbia, MO, died at home on Thursday, October 16, 2025, surrounded by family. Lucy was born on March 6, 1939, in Dover, Tennessee. She attended Clarksville High School until she discovered a treasure in the person of her husband of 69 years, Howard Eiffert, who was stationed at nearby Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Howard and Lucy married on December 17, 1955. Lucy was 16. After Howard’s military service, they moved to Kirksville, Missouri for three years so Howard could attend Northeast Missouri State Teachers College. Lucy joined Howard in working to support his education. They moved to Columbia in 1959.

Having 3 children, constructing two homes, and helping Howard start Boone County Lumber Company, made her first 10 years of marriage busy. After the kids were in school, Lucy started working in the family business. “Howard and Lucy” was how friends and family referred to the couple. They did everything together and were each other’s best friend.

Lucy loved to travel, explore, shop, and share the world with her family and friends. More than anything, Lucy loved traveling and exploring with Howard by motorcycle. Riding together on the open road, feeling the wind in their faces, was their greatest pleasure and how they experienced most of North America, from Mexico to Alaska.

Those who knew Lucy loved her sense of adventure, good humor, steadfast loyalty, and support. Lucy was often the only good friend you needed. Many have shared stories of how Howard and Lucy; their relationship, their commitment to common goals, their selfless friendships, influenced their lives.

Lucy endured many health challenges with courage and amazing resilience. She suffered through kidney failure, a kidney transplant, losing the kidney transplant to cancer, and 17-1/2 years of dialysis. In her later years, she was committed to caring for and watching over her beloved husband until his death in March of 2025. She lived her vow, “’till death do us part”, to the fullest.

Lucy, is survived by her three children, Brad (Kristin) Eiffert, Columbia, MO; Greg (Terri) Eiffert, Columbia, MO; and Sharon (Darryl) Ward, Centralia, MO; her grandchildren, Kelsey (Matt) Lunceford, Centralia, MO; Tyler Ward, Hico, TX; Samantha Eiffert, Carrboro, NC; Leah (Daniel) Lindaman, Columbia, MO; Kayla (Sam) Knetzer, Westminster, CO; Ryan Eiffert, Memphis, TN; William (Bianca) Eiffert, New York, NY; Benjamin Eiffert, Columbia, MO; and great-grand daughters, Corinne and Colette Lindaman, Columbia, MO. She is also survived by her sisters, Patsy Knight, Cunningham, TN; June Gilpin, Columbia, MO; and her brother, Danny Collins, Clarksville, TN.

Lucy was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse D. Collins and Mary Elizabeth Dowdy Collins, brother James Lurton Collins, sister Ann Shaw, and daughter Sherry Lynn Eiffert.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation.

The family wishes to acknowledge the care provided by The Senior Company and Navigate Wellness. Their professional care allowed Lucy to remain in her home until the end. They cared for Lucy and her family with love, support, compassion, and guidance during a difficult time.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorilafuneralhomeandcemetery.com