Valli "Sophie" Root (Lebanon)'s Obituary
On February 11, 1951, Valli “Sophie” L. Root was born to Lewis Smartt and Glennice Deason in Pontiac, Michigan. Valli passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023 in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. She was seventy-two years of age at the time of her passing.
‘Sophie’, as she was known by family and friends, spent the early years of her life in Michigan before moving with her family to Florida. She made her home in Florida for about ten years before moving to Missouri.
On October 31, 1970, she was united in marriage to Ray D. Root. Together they celebrated almost fifty-three years of happiness and memories.
Sophie is survived by her husband, Ray, of the home; two sons, Gregory Wagner of Long Lane, Missouri and Raymond D Root, Jr. and wife Karon of Lebanon, Missouri; her grandchildren, Cherokee Miller, Dakota Wagner, Ryan Elliott, Samuel Wagner, Benjamin Wagner and Gabriel Root; a number of great-grandchildren; two sisters, Kimberly Ybarra and Alecia Mundy; her nieces, nephews, Frank Ybarra and his fiancée, Jackie, Jasmine Beeler and husband David, Jade Bodell and husband Harold, Jerry Fabrizio, Lauren Warne and husband Bill, Rivkah Mundy, Matthew Mundy and Chris Mundy, Jr. and Christina; and numerous children of her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Kyra; a brother, Kenny; and a daughter-in-law Wendy.
Sophie loved to do oil painting. She was also quite gifted in arts and crafts and would make items to give to family and friends for special occasions. She was wonderful at decorating cakes for all occasions. Sophie was described as being eccentric, but loveable. She had a great imagination and a keen eye for art.
Her life revolved around her family. She had a great sense of humor, a great, warm hug, and always enjoyed the times she could spend with her grandchildren. Family was everything to her.
Her loss is deeply felt by her family, and she will be so missed. Yet, we know that she lives on in them, in their memories and in their love for each other.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established and donations may be made through the funeral home.
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