She was born on November 20, 1934, in Mountain Grove, MO, to Goldman and Cleo Long.

She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

She loved her daytime soaps, scary movies, Wheel of Fortune, reading, crocheting, word puzzles, and listening to music on her CD player. She also loved to feed people. Anytime you came to visit, she always had cupcakes, cookies, or pink lemonade pie ready and waiting for you to enjoy, often sending us home with treats or trying to buy us groceries. Food was her love language.

Above all, she loved her family immensely. Every "I love you" was immediately followed with her saying, "love you, more."  She always cared more for others than herself, always prioritizing her family. Once she became a grandmother, she retired from her job at T.I. to spend more time with her grandchildren, whom she would eventually come to raise. She would take us to Garden Ridge Church of Christ and instilled in us the values that we carry with us today - we are who we are because of her.  She lived for being a grandmother. She was always there whenever we needed her; she was our safe place. As we became parents ourselves, she was there to guide us along the way offering advice only a grandmother can give. Alas, when the great-grandchildren came along, we were quickly replaced as the favorites. She was so incredibly proud to be a great-grandmother. She filled her home with their pictures and artwork, and always bought their favorite snacks. She especially loved summertime with the great-grandchildren, always keeping swimming suits available for them, along with a little pool in the backyard and sprinklers. She gladly spent all day in the backyard with a good book and her babies playing in the water. She was thrilled to learn that she would be a great-great-grandmother and was excited to meet her great-great-grandson this coming October. We know that Memaw will always be watching over us, we have gained our guardian angel. She is deeply missed and loved beyond measure. We find peace knowing that she is once again reunited with her husband and children.

Exa is preceded in death by her husband, C.W. Retherford, daughter, Carldene Green, and sons, Ronald Retherford and Bill Retherford.

Exa is survived by her grandchildren, Clint Retherford and Tabitha Morris, and granddaughter-in-law, Yessi Retherford. Great-grandchildren, Cameron Cates, Chloe Cates, Katelyn Retherford, and Caylee Retherford, as well as soon-to-be great-great-grandson, Oliver. Daughter-in-law, Gail Ogletree, and many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Following Memaw's wishes, there will not be a public memorial service. Instead, we will come together as a family and celebrate her life.