Thelma 's Obituary
Thelma Lee Shook O’Neil, daughter of Carl David and Bessie Lee Hyde Whitehurst, was born October 17, 1920, near Marshfield, Missouri. She departed this life Friday, December 21, 2007, in St. John’s Regional Health Center, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-seven years, two months, and four days. On December 25, 1940, she was united in marriage to Bernie Shook, and to this union three daughters were born. Bernie preceded her in death in 1966. In June, 1971, she was married to John B. O’Neil, who preceded her in death in 1990. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Lois Clemens; and a brother, Wayne Whitehurst. Thelma is survived by her daughters, Shirley Ann Pisacane, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Virginia Kay Dorn, of Camdenton, Missouri, and Cynthia Lee Turner, and her husband, James, of Santa Fe, New Mexico; John’s sons, John B. O’Neil, Jr., and his wife, Bonnie, of Springfield, Missouri, and Tom O’Neil, and his wife, Lucy, of Lebanon, Missouri; five grandchildren, Rachel Dorn, Katie O’Neil, Bob O’Neil, Christine Ames, and Anne Matson; eight great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Joan Bacon, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She was born near Marshfield, Missouri, and was raised in the Webster County area, graduating from Marshfield High School in the Class of 1936. In addition to being a devoted homemaker to her family, Thelma was an office clerk in the ASCS office for several years. Thelma’s faith and church were central in her life. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Lebanon, where she especially enjoyed the fellowship of the Builders Class for fifty years. She was active in the Alma Nixon Circle, and volunteered many hours in the church office. Thelma loved gospel music. In her spare time she enjoyed making rag rugs and going on outings to look for antiques. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed having her family around her as often as possible. Thelma was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and was a caring neighbor and friend. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 24, 2007, in the First United Mehodist Church, Lebanon. Burial will be in the Marshfield Cemetery. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Marshfield Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience. Services are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri. Memorials to the United Methodist Church or The American Heart Association may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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