Kenneth Olive Obituary
Kenneth William Olive, 99, passed away on October 6, 2026, at Lake Ozark Regional Hospital. Kenneth was born July 9, 1927, in Rich Hill, Missouri to Alfred “Jack” Olive and Lillian Wells. He was raised with strong values and a deep appreciation for family, community, and country.
In July 1944, Kenneth proudly joined the National Guard and later went on to serve in the United States Navy, where he served for two years as a Seaman First Class. Following his service to his country, Kenneth returned home to his high school sweetheart, Sammy Sue “Sue” Cubbin. The two were married in 1949 in Butler, Missouri, and began a life together filled with love, family, hard work, and service to others.
Kenneth began his working career at Cubbin Motor Company in Butler, Missouri. Through his dedication and hard work, he eventually became the owner and operated the business for many years. Kenneth and Sue later purchased Breezy Point Resort on State Road EE in Greenview, Missouri, where they established their home and spent many years building a life together. The Lake of the Ozarks community became home, and Kenneth and Sue embraced every opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those around them. Later in life, Kenneth continued his career in the insurance business with Farmer Foster Insurance, which later became McGrath Insurance. True to his life long work ethic, Kenneth continued working well into his later years, even at the remarkable age of 99.
Kenneth had many passions in life, but none were greater than his love for his wife, Sue, and his three boys. He was also a proud member of the Butler and Camdenton Lion’s Clubs and devoted many years to serving his community through Lions International. He was recently recognized by his home club in Camdenton for an incredible 75 years of membership in Lions International, a testament to his lifelong commitment to helping others.
Kenneth and Sue shared a deep passion for giving back to their community. Kenneth proudly supported Sue in her work as a founding member of The Lamb House and Sue’s Shoes. Through these organizations, they helped provide children and families in the area with shoes, clothing, and food pantry assistance. At last count, The Lamb House was serving close to 150 families per week. Serving others was not simply something Kenneth talked about-it was a way of life for him and Sue.
When Kenneth wasn’t working, serving his community, or spending time with his family, you could often find him on the golf course. He was a charter member of Lake Valley Country Club in Camdenton, where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf, and his many hole-in-ones over the years were a highlight of his golfing career.
After Sue passed away in 2008, Kenneth found love again and married Betty McGrath on June 14, 2014. Kenneth and Betty spent many happy hours together swinging the clubs on the golf course and playing cards, with Kenneth losing at cards most of the time. The two of them shared the years that followed together until Betty’s passing on September 13, 2026.
Kenneth will be remembered for his tremendous work ethic, his devotion to his family, his service to his country, his commitment to his community, and his ability to remain active and involved throughout his remarkable 99 years of life.
Kenneth is survived by his three sons, Ken and Sam (Penny), both of Camdenton, Missouri, and David (Sharon) of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; four grandchildren, Sarah Bergeson (Clint), Jonathan Olive (Molly), Alexander Olive (Nidia), and Samantha Olive; and six great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by two stepchildren, Mike (Val) and Marshall (Michelle); three step-grandchildren, Christine Wind (Eric), Tara Leslie (Jeff), and Patrick McGrath (Marci); and fourteen additional great-grandchildren who became part of his family through his marriage to Betty.
Kenneth was truly blessed with a large and loving family, and the joy he found in them was evident throughout his life. His family, friends, fellow Lions, golfing companions, and countless members of the community will forever cherish the memories of a man who spent his life making a difference.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Olive and Lillian Wells; his first wife, Sammy Sue Cubbin; and his second wife, Betty McGrath; sister Thelma Blakeman; brothers Jim and Floyd Olive.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Lamb House/Sue’s Shoes.
Friends will be received on Friday, October 16th from 5:30 to 6:30 at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home with a service immediately afterwards. A graveside service will follow on Saturday, October 17th at 11:00 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, Missouri.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 (573) 346-2090.
