Candace Joy Admire, 66, of Mexico, passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at her home.

Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 28, at Arnold Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Jones officiating. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Park.

Visitation is Thursday from 3-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Candace was born on May 30, 1955 in Wellsville, the daughter of Leighton Franklin Admire Sr. and Lorene Ellen (Clement) Admire. She married Eddie Parker on January 9, 1981 at Lockewood Park Baptist Church.

Candy was a 1973 graduate of Mexico High School. After her mother initiated her into caregiving at the Fulton State Hospital in 1972, she then attended Mexico School of Practical Nursing and graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse. In 1977, she began working at Pin Oaks and served as administrator from 1989-2014. Candy devoted 30+ years to the nursing field, spending the majority of them at Pin Oaks. She poured her heart and soul into caring for her residents, their families, and her staff. One of her greatest accomplishments was winning the Administrator of the Year Award.

Gardening, yard work, painting, music, family, and her four grandchildren, were some of Candy's greatest joys. Her giggle, infectious smile, give it to you like it is advice, and unconditional love were just a few of her unique qualities. She was also a member of the Lockewood Park Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Heather Lorene Diltz and her children, Mia and Adalyn Diltz, all of Edwardsville, Illinois, and Hillary Ann "Annie" Cuno and her children, Hunter and Carson Cuno, all of Columbia; two sisters, Lorie (Blair) Smith of Hallsville and Sandra Stuart of Moberly; nieces and nephews, Sidney "Izzy" Smith, Trent Smith, Turner Smith, William Stuart, Olivia Stuart, Kevin Admire, Jennifer Lunsford, Tommy Wainscott, Holly Wainscott, and Trent Wainscott; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Candace was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Frankie Admire; one sister, Cindy Wainscott; one nephew, Jimmy Admire; and one great-nephew, Dylan Admire.

Memorial donations may be made to Pin Oaks Living Center or Lockewood Park Baptist Church. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.