Carla Eads

Carla Marie Eads, 66, of Jackson peacefully left this world Saturday, March 17, 2018, at her home, surrounded by family, close friends and her dogs.

She was born March 31, 1951, in Decatur, Illinois, to the late Carl and Doris Crawford Schnebly, the second of four children. She attended Newman High School in Newman, Illinois, graduating in 1969.

Carla married the love of her life, Clark Eads, Jan. 20, 1973. Their strong and faithful bond was apparent to anyone who knew the couple. Carla and Clark lived together in various cities in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri throughout their marriage, until Clark's passing Sept. 15, 2006. They were the proud parents of three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Carla's greatest joy in life was her family.

Carla had a lifelong passion for music. A Beatles fan since childhood, seeing them perform live was one of the highlights of her life. Carla demonstrated her own theatrical and vocal abilities, starting in her youth with performances with her brother, Gene, and extending into her adulthood through her involvement with the Great River Players and River City Singers when living in Warsaw, Illinois. She continued to be involved in music while living in Jackson, performing at church and in the community with Sisters of Grace and Restless Spirit vocal groups.

Carla enjoyed a successful 30-year career as a dental assistant/receptionist before her retirement in 2016. While raising her young children, Carla operated a day care out of her home and taught music at Vacation Bible School. Always an active parent, she led the senior high youth group of her oldest son, Jason; served as a Boy Scout leader for her youngest son, Matt; and spent countless hours cheering her kids on as they competed in various sports. Later, alongside her daughter, Kendra, she participated in dog rescue transports and actively supported organizations aimed at serving victims of sexual violence. Carla also partnered with various veterans' and children's causes throughout her life and volunteered as an emergency medical technician for the Warsaw Ambulance Service.

Carla's surviving family includes her daughter, Kendra Eads of Cape Girardeau; son, Matthew (Heather) Eads of Crookston, Minnesota; brother, Steve (Vicki) Schnebly of Paxton, Illinois; sister, Sue (Frank) VanSickle of Newman; grandchildren, Dylan Akers, Kane Eads, Olivia Kendrick, Alyson Eads, Riley Eads, Owen Eads and Emersyn Eads; great-granddaughter, Lilyana Bliss; dogs, Ella and Lucy; and many beloved nieces and nephews and other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Gene Schnebly; and her son, Jason Eads.

A celebration of life will be at 3 p.m. April 7 at Jackson Civic Center, 381 E. Deerwood Drive in Jackson.

Memorial donations may be given to Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, 1359 Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 or the Humane Society of Missouri, 2400 Drilling Service Drive, Maryland Heights, MO 63043.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.