Rev. Buena Mae Huffman, 92, of Eldon, Missouri, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 23, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was born in Bruner, Missouri, on December 26, 1930; a daughter to the late Lester L. and Lois E. (Fink) Swearengin. She was united in marriage to Elwyn Euguene Huffman on January 23, 1949. He preceded her in death on February 24, 1983.

Buena graduated from Sparta High School in 1949. She attended Berean Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri in the early 1960s where she studied Pastoral Studies. She began her ministry career as a child and youth evangelist in 1960 until 1969. From 1965 until 1969, she served as pastor at Jamestown Assembly of God Church in Jamestown, Missouri. In 1969, she became the pastor of East Side Assembly of God Church where she served as the lead pastor until her retirement in October 2020. Buena taught Sunday School every Sunday morning from the time they opened the doors at the local nursing home, Eldon Nursing and Rehab, until her health forced her retirement. She was a longtime member of DAR (Daughters of American Revolution) and served as the chaplain. She was also very active in Ministerial Alliance, serving as President for several years. For many years, Buena took part in the National Day of Prayer.

Along with her faith and love of Jesus, Buena was also very creative. She owned her own catering business from 1960 until 2001, when she baked her last wedding cake. She made beautiful cakes, did beautiful ceramics, and liked to paint. Buena loved to travel; she traveled all over the United States and many other countries, some for pleasure and some as mission trips. More than anything, she loved to tell people about Jesus. The impact she made on the world around her through her spiritual leadership will be seen for generations to come. Buena will be deeply missed by those who know and love her.

She is survived by her son, John (Korina) Huffman of The Dalles, Oregon; daughter, Joyce (Tom) Jeffries of Buffalo, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Jean Huffman of Springdale, Arkansas; sister, Bonnie Volland of Billings, Missouri; sister-in-law, Donna Swearengin of Menifee, California; 13 grandchildren and 9 grandchildren-in-law; 25 great-grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren-in-law; 5 great-great-grandchildren; 1 special niece, Cindy Morton of Republic, Missouri, who was there to visit and help any time it was needed; and many, many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elwyn; parents, Lester, Lois, and stepmother, Adah; eldest child, Rev. James Huffman; 3 brothers and their spouses, Rev. Danny Swearengin, Vern (JoAnn) Swearengin, and Paul (Lorraine) Swearengin; 1 sister and her spouse, Janice (James) Sparkman; brother-in-law, Gary Volland; and 2 great-grandsons, Aiden James Huffman, and Hudson Grant Elder.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at East Side Assembly of God Church. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at East Side Assembly of God Church. She will be laid to rest at Eldon City Cemetery.

To view the livestream of this funeral service:

Visit the online obituary posting for Rev. Buena Mae Huffman at www.millardfamilychapels.com. Select the “Tribute Wall” tab and click “Watch now” on the Live Webcast video player. Please note that streaming will not be available until the time of the service. A playback of the webcast will remain on the website following the service.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to East Side Assembly of God Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Millard Family Cremation & Funeral Center, 902 East North Street, Eldon, Missouri 65026 (573) 392-3351. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.http://www.millardfamilychapels.com/