Nettie Grayce Toalson Mouse, age 84, of Urich, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at the University of Kansas Health System, surrounded by her loving family.
Nettie was born on May 22, 1941, in Clinton, Missouri, the fourth of five children born to Tilford and Maxine Toalson. She attended Urich Elementary School and graduated from Urich High School in 1959. She was captain of the basketball team all four years of high school. Following graduation, she continued her education at the University of Missouri.
Nettie spent a summer working in downtown Kansas City. That fall, she married the love of her life, Clifford Wayne Mouse, on September 4, 1960. Together they shared 61 years of devoted marriage and built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. To this union, four children were born: Sheri Gail (July 18, 1961), Christopher Wayne (July 3, 1964), Brian David (June 8, 1969), and Stephen Kent (April 17, 1971).
From an early age, Nettie displayed a remarkable talent for music. By the age of 12, she was already an accomplished pianist. Throughout her life, she generously shared her musical gifts, playing the piano for countless church services, weddings, and funerals, as well as giving many piano lessons over the years. Her music brought comfort in times of sorrow and joy in times of celebration. She enjoyed gathering with friends, often around music and fellowship.
Nettie devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and community. As a homemaker, she lovingly cared for her household and was well known for preparing meals for silage crews during harvest seasons. She worked faithfully alongside her husband in operating the family farm. In 1967, they received the Balanced Farming Award for Achievement from the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the University of Missouri. Their
dedication and stewardship were further recognized when they were named Henry County Farm Family of the Year in 1971.
Faith was the cornerstone of Nettie’s life. She was baptized at a young age at the Urich Presbyterian Church. She later served as a deacon at the Blairstown Presbyterian Church and was an active youth group leader at the Urich Presbyterian Church, as well as a Sunday School teacher at both churches, guiding and encouraging young people in their faith.
Nettie was deeply involved in her children’s school and community activities. She served as a room mother and later as president of the Urich Elementary PTA. She was a member of the Sherwood Athletic Booster Club along with the Band Boosters. She was a founding member of Henry County Public Water Supply District #4. She also helped organize the Urich Reunion Parade Committee and, in later years, she and her husband Wayne were honored as Grand Marshals of the Urich Parade.
She took great pride in preparing wonderful meals for holidays and deer season gatherings, always making sure her family was well fed and warmly welcomed. She loved playing cards and cherished her lifelong friendships, especially those formed through her card party group. Nettie and Wayne also enjoyed traveling together and were blessed to take many trips around the world throughout their life.
She is survived by her daughter, Sheri Bathgate of Urich; sons Chris and Amy Mouse of California, Missouri, Brian Mouse of Urich, and Stephen and Peggy Mouse of Urich. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Michelle (David) Vogt, Brandon Bathgate, Jacob (Megan) Bathgate, Lauren (Eric) Lawson, Austin (Kaitlyn) Mouse, Collin (Kelsey) Mouse, Landon (Stephanie) Mouse, Grayce Mouse, Maria Mouse, James Mouse, Kathryn (Reid) Wheeler, Anna Mouse, and Evan Mouse; and her great-grandchildren: Aila, Camden, Grady, Sutton, Bristol, Avery, Addilyn, Lennon, Beau, Keil, Fallon, Emilie, Hattie, Emmett and number 15 due in September.
She is further survived by her sister, Ruby Kathryn Holt of Urich; sister-in-law Joann Whiting of Clinton; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a lifetime of dear friends.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, Clifford Wayne Mouse, sisters Roberta Jean Miller, Martha Elnora Jordan and brother Roger Kahn Toalson.
Nettie’s life was a beautiful example of faith, generosity, hard work, and love for family and community. Her legacy will live on in the music she shared, the meals she prepared, and the many lives she touched.
Funeral services were held March 5, 2026 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with Allan Mortenson and Rev. David Mills officiating. The casket bearers were Brandon Bathgate, Jacob Bathgate, Austin Mouse, Collin Mouse, Landon Mouse, James Mouse and Evan Mouse. Michelle Vogt, Lauren Mouse, Grayce Mouse, Maria Mouse, Kathryn Wheeler and Anna Mouse were honorary bearers. Musical selections included "The Lord's Prayer and Amazing Grace," with special music "This Is My Father's World and The Psalms" by Kay Holt and Peggy Mouse. Interment followed in Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, MO.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
