Tracy Ellen Volkmer, 61, of Mexico, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia. Tracy was born on January 8, 1964, in Mexico, Missouri. She was the daughter of Frank Edward Volkmer, who preceded her in death, and Joan Elizabeth Volkmer.

Tracy was a 1982 graduate of Community R-6 High School. After graduation, she started her 40+ year career at Mexico Plastics, where she worked until retiring in May of 2024.

Throughout her adult life, Tracy had many things she loved to do.  You might have found her watching her kids at home, or later on, her grandkids playing sports, searching the local garage sales or flea markets with her dad, Ed, or possibly looking to buy Breyer horses either online or whole estates or looking at dolls with her mother, Joan. All of these things she loved to do but maybe not quite as much as spending time with her animals. Anyone that knew Tracy well, knew that any animal had a warm home and three hot meals a day if they happened to enter Tracy's life. You could tell by the smile on her face that her animals and pets were her happy place. Even to the point she didn't need to go anywhere because she found happiness at home with her pet family.

Tracy is survived by her brother, Joseph Michael Volkmer; her mother, Joan Volkmer; two sons, Dustin LaRue (Nicole) and Tyler Korman. She had four grandchildren, Landon, Reid and Colson LaRue, and Ezra Korman, all of Mexico. Tracy is also survived by one aunt, Jane Floyd of Holts Summit; and one cousin, Lisa Prettyman of Holts Summit.

While these people above are her blood relatives, Tracy had many people she loved and that loved her. Whether it was making forever work friends, friends over collectibles, riding horses together, or being a second mother and safe place when you needed someone, Tracy's heart always showed big and she was always there for a kind word or a kick in the butt if you needed that. She was always sure to check that everyone else was doing ok. Tracy leaves behind two special fur babies, Trixie and Bentley, that got the most of her time recently and will both miss her dearly, but she is finally reunited with all of her animals from the past that each had a piece of her heart and we know that she is smiling from ear to ear as she rides Jack again and plays with the pups she has long missed.

Tracy was a great daughter, sister, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and mentor to many and her heart and wisdom will live on in us forever.

A visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, July 11, at Arnold Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. on the next Saturday, July 19, at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Simmons Stable Preservation or the Audrain Humane Society. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.