Leuritta Rountree (Buffalo)'s Obituary
Leuritta Rountree, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on September 5, 2025 at the age of 88 years and 9 days. She was born on August 27, 1937, in Urbana, Missouri, to Elmer and Dorothy (Smith) Rambo. Leuritta grew up on a farm, graduated high school from Tunas, Missouri at the age of 17 and moved to Kansas City, Missouri right after graduation to find an office job. With determination, she found a job where she could use typing and shorthand along with other various office skills she had learned in school. The next year on October 28, 1956, Leuritta married the love of her life, James Rountree, in Louisburg, Missouri. They started their life together in Kansas City, where their two children were born. The family later moved back to Buffalo, Missouri, where Leuritta dedicated herself to raising their children. James & Leuritta shared 68 years of wonderful memories together. Living on the farm near Buffalo was a very special time for Leuritta as she loved being outdoors; gardening, canning, attending the cattle and helping James cut wood & build fence. Leuritta would go out and break ice on the pond for the cattle and feed the farm animals on the coldest of days while James was working outside the home. She loved doing these types of chores despite the frigid temperatures or exhausting heat. Leuritta was a devoted wife and mother. The needs of her family always came first. She loved creating special moments for her family on birthdays, holidays and just about anytime the family was all together. She was also a talented seamstress, lovingly making her daughter dresses for church and special events as well as helping her children when they moved out on their own by sewing curtains for their homes and doing other special sewing projects for them. Leuritta was an incredible cook. Her legendary meals and desserts would bring comfort and joy to family and friends. Oftentimes loved ones would request their favorites, which Leuritta was more than happy to oblige. James and Leuritta made many friends on their camping adventures at the lake and while traveling to events with a food concession business. They owned the business for many years after James retired from his job in Springfield. James and Leuritta also enjoyed going on bike rides and going to Springfield Cardinal baseball games together. Leuritta loved being active, taking walks, biking, playing tennis, planting flowers and just about anything that kept her moving. However, of all the things she enjoyed about life, time spent with her family is what she cherished most. After retiring, James & Leuritta built a new home in the Elkland, Missouri area where they resided together until the time of James’ passing August 3rd, 2025. Leuritta was an active member of Bible Baptist Church in Buffalo along with her husband and family. She loved her church deeply and found great joy in attending and serving. Leuritta continued serving many years in church helping in the nursery and with the youth in AWANA. She and James attended church their entire lives together until they could no longer physically do so. Leuritta is survived by her two children, son Steve Rountree & wife Dee of Elkland, MO; daughter Teresa Towe & husband David of Lebanon, MO along with their families; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.. Those preceding her in death include her beloved husband James; her parents; three sisters, Ramona Waggoner, Roneca Arnn, Rajean Rambo; and four brothers, Shelton Rambo, Sanford Rambo, Shelby Rambo & Stanley Rambo. Leuritta's memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home with Bro. Bruce Andrews officiating. Interment will be in the Mission Ridge Cemetery under the care and direction of the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family asks that you feel free to send flowers or make donations to Mission Ridge Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Leuritta?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leuritta?
Share a story where Leuritta's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leuritta you’ll never forget.
How did Leuritta make you smile?
