Springfield internal auditor April Lathrom dies

Springfield's first internal auditor died last week after a long battle with cancer.

April Lathrom, hired by the city in August 2008 as the city's first internal auditor, died Thursday at St. John's Hospital from an aggressive type of cancer, according to a release from the city. She is survived by husband Grant and children Caleb and Sydney.

Lathrom, a certified public accountant, reported directly to Springfield City Council. She was previously a senior auditor in the Missouri State Auditor's office in Springfield and held bachelor's and master's degrees from Missouri State University.  

Visitation and funeral services are scheduled at Barnes Family Funeral Home in Ozark; visitation is 6–8 p.m. tonight, with funeral services set for 10 a.m. Tuesday. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Mountain Grove.

Donations can be made to the Caleb and Sydney Benefit Fund in care of Citizen's Bank of Rogersville.

“April wanted to thank all the employees of the city of Springfield that provided support and prayers,” Grant Lathrom said in the release. “The availability of the city’s Care Leave Program allowed her to maintain her benefits eligibility during her fight and she was very grateful for their generosity. April believed the city’s support, which allowed her to participate in clinical trials in the last six months, provided her additional quality time with her family.”[[In-content Ad]]