Rea Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services

02/04/2026

As funeral professionals, we’re honored to help families understand the traditions that pay tribute to a life of service. 🇺🇸
When the U.S. burial flag is folded into a triangle correctly, four stars are visible. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What does each star represent?
Leave your answer in the comments ⬇️

Thank you to all who have served, and to the families who carry their legacy. ❤️

02/03/2026

Grace D. Bouws

Grace D. "Gracie" Bouws, 66, of La Monte, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. She was born on March 20, 1959, in Sedalia, the daughter of Howard Elkins and Betty (Farris) Elkins, who preceded her in death.

On June 4, 1983, in La Monte, she was united in marriage to William "Bill" Bouws, who resides in the home.

Gracie was a proud graduate of La Monte High School, Class of 1977. She began her career with La Monte Community Bank and later worked for Choice Hotels as the General Manager of the Comfort Inn in Marshall. After 22 years of dedicated service, she retired in 2023. Following her retirement, Gracie enjoyed working part-time in the Customer Service Department at Lowe's.

Gracie found joy in the simple, meaningful things, crocheting, reading, traveling, and making memories with the people she loved most. She especially treasured time with her grandson, Gunnar, who brought her endless pride and happiness. She also valued time with friends and looked forward to evenings out for dinner, especially with Paula Hughes.

In addition to her husband, Bill, Gracie is survived by her son, Kyle Bouws of La Monte; and her grandson, Gunnar Bouws.

In addition to her parents, Gracie was preceded in death by her brother, Kenny Elkins.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Rea Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

A private family burial will be held at Dresden Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

View Grace D. Bouws's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/03/2026

Sherry L. Woodman

Sherry L. Woodman, 68, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia. She was born November 12, 1957, in Windsor, Missouri, the daughter of Donald E. Williams and Phyllis N. (Head) Williams, who preceded her in death.

Sherry attended Smithton High School. In 1981, she moved from Sedalia to Birmingham, Alabama, where she began her career as a cosmetologist, work that allowed her to connect with people and build lasting friendships. She returned to Sedalia in 2009 following an early retirement, happy to be back near home and those she loved.

Sherry enjoyed time spent with family and friends, and she had a creative spirit that shined through her love of crafting. She also loved the fun and excitement of country concerts, with Jelly Roll being her favorite artist. Some of her most treasured memories were made traveling with her daughter, Michelle, especially camping trips at the lake. Above all, Sherry adored her four-legged fur baby, "Aubie," who brought her constant companionship and joy.

Sherry is survived by two daughters, Kari Wright (Justin) of Clinton, Missouri, and Michelle Hardin of Sedalia; a son, Derek Trotter (Kala) of Montgomery, Alabama; twelve grandchildren, Austin (Anna), Ashley, Mason, Jack (Kaylee), Rose, Hannah, Trenton (Lacey), Keyten, Hollis, Claire, Wesley, and Grace; a great-granddaughter, Eloa; two brothers, Terry Twenter (Kathy) of Sedalia and Gene Williams of Sedalia; three sisters, Nancy Romig (Gary) of Pilot Grove, Missouri, Carol Ackerman (Gary) of Sedalia, and Linda Hodge of Sedalia; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

In addition to her parents, Sherry was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Mahalovich and Patty Ray; a brother, Loren Pope; a granddaughter, Madison Wright; and a brother-in-law, Steve Hodge.

A Celebration of Life gathering with family and friends will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Sedalia Shrine Club, 1375 Elm Hills Blvd, Sedalia, MO 65301.

Memorial contributions may be made to Celebrate Recovery at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Sedalia, in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

View Sherry L. Woodman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/03/2026

As we reflect on January 2026, we pause to honor the loved ones whose lives were remembered and celebrated, and the families we had the privilege of serving. Thank you for entrusting your loved one into our care, it was truly an honor to care for your family.

Rea Funeral Chapel
“Family to Family, Ours is Committed to Yours”
memory

02/02/2026

Ruth Ann Wilson

Ruth Ann (Ulmer) Wilson, 95, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital, Jefferson City. She was born August 26, 1930, in Brunswick, Missouri, the daughter of Fredrick Neidholdt and Florence V. (Gibson) Neidholdt, who preceded her in death.

On November 5, 2010, in Sedalia, she was united in marriage to Don E. Wilson, who survives of the home.

Ruth Ann was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished her family above all else. A dedicated caregiver at heart, she proudly graduated with the first LPN class at State Fair Community College on August 28, 1969, and spent her entire nursing career serving others at Bothwell Regional Health Center. After retirement, Ruth Ann enjoyed tending to her flowers and garden, shopping, and making special memories with her grandchildren. She also looked forward to trips to the riverboat casino in Boonville. Most of all, she treasured time spent with Don, especially their lunch and dinner outings to favorite local restaurants.

In addition to her husband, Ruth Ann is survived by two daughters, Cathy Lehmer and Susan Davis, both of Sedalia; one son, Kirk Ulmer of Sedalia; four stepdaughters, Donna Marquess (Randy) of Sedalia, Dee Wilson of Columbia, Jeanne Richardson (Dennis) of Jefferson City, and Darla Buso (Mike) of Sedalia; one stepson, Don Douglas Wilson (Idee) of Smithton; four grandchildren, Kari Lehmer, Kristy Musgrave, Kasie Davis, and Randi Chapin; 16 step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Albert Neidholdt (Joyce) of Liberty; one sister, Peggy Swearngin of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; her beloved fur baby "Tabby Sue"; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Mike Ulmer and Randy Ulmer; one sister, Norma White; and one brother, Kenneth Neidholdt.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia.

Pallbearers will be Kari Lehmer, Kristy Musgrave, Kasie Davis, Randi Chapin, Krystle Marquess-Bartlett, Stephanie Hayworth, and Rocky Marquess.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sedalia Animal Shelter, in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.

View Ruth Ann Wilson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/30/2026

Brenda Joyce Eckhoff

Brenda J. Eckhoff, 82, of Smithton, Missouri, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, Missouri. She was born December 30, 1943, in Arbyrd, Missouri, the daughter of Parker Thompson and Pearl (Johnson) Thompson, who preceded her in death.

On March 9, 1962, she was united in marriage to Donald Eckhoff. He preceded her in death on October 30, 2022.

Brenda was raised in the St. Louis area and was a proud graduate of Shrewsbury High School, Class of 1961. She later attended SBU, where she met the love of her life, Don. They made their first home in Kansas City before settling in the Sedalia/Smithton area in 1969.

Brenda served as office manager for Mac & Jack, Don's business, and later worked in the JC Penney jewelry department. She went on to dedicate many years to AAA in customer service, retiring in 2009. Brenda's greatest devotion, however, was to her faith and family. A life member of Maplewood Church, she faithfully participated in countless church activities over 56 years of membership, including Bible Study classes, and she was widely known as a devoted prayer warrior.

Brenda loved time at the lake and enjoyed snow skiing, but her favorite moments were those spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, who all adored their "Grandma Brenda." She carried deep pride in her family's service to our country. Brenda often spoke with gratitude of her father's honorable service in World War II and his Purple Heart, and she was proud of the many loved ones who have served our nation in the Armed Forces.

Brenda is survived by her three daughters, Joy Dickinson, Gaye Hiller (Bart), and Tammy Fowler (Andy); her goddaughter, Tresa Killion (Richard); her grandchildren, Jessica Ensz, Brian Dickinson (Rose), Kayla Helt (Justin), Danielle Schroeder (Andrew), Cara Moulton (Andy), Robbie Stevenson (Hanna), Chris Dickinson (Jen), Lacy Stuenkel (Zach), Bobby Shane (Jessi), Tia Link, Gentry Borgman (Keenan), and Mya Fowler; 18 great-grandchildren; and two additional great-grandchildren expected.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Linda Ayres; her son-in-law, Rick Dickinson; and her great-granddaughter, Sadie Rae Stevenson.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Maplewood Church, 25396 Highway O, Sedalia, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of plants or flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Fund at Maplewood Church. https://www.maplewood-church.com/give https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.maplewood-2Dchurch.com_give&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=exVqsiZknC8SBRDVGpxhlge4uWVKaXG8p8nWYGu4luo&m=LQsBXIQvXFHfsdsuacXX28gsG_-U_gjcaGjrFcIoy0V9ti1IuQ3VxGlkfzitu34U&s=QojgfmnyjvXbW34PUywQFk6-XQTYtVuBV1PyLz2G23A&e=>

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Home.

View Brenda Joyce Eckhoff's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/29/2026

01/27/2026

Delores Ann Maples

Delores Ann Maples, 94, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center in Sedalia.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Rea Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Highland Sacred Gardens.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sedalia Open Door Ministries, in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

A complete obituary will be coming soon.

View Delores Ann Maples's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/27/2026

When a loved one passes, emotions run high and it’s hard to know what to do first. One of the most important steps is to contact a trusted funeral service provider right away. We can help guide you through the next steps, coordinate transportation, explain your options (burial or cremation), and handle the necessary details, so you don’t have to carry that burden alone. If you ever need us, we’re here to support you with care, clarity, and compassion. ❤️

01/27/2026

Janice Sue Jones

Janice Sue Jones, 71, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at her home. She was born March 18, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas, the daughter of Lawrence Edwards and Jewell (Dhroity) Edwards, who preceded her in death.

Janice had a joyful spirit and a heart devoted to her family, whom she loved unconditionally. She enjoyed dancing and could light up a room with her presence. Known for her love of the color blue and her Pepsi Cola, Janice appreciated the simple things that made life sweet. She also treasured the friendship of Debra Choate and Steve Meek, who meant so much to her.

Survivors include three children, Kimberly Sue Ballenger, Charles Wayne Aldrich, and Dana Mae Wilborn; two sisters, Flo Homan and her daughter, Regina and Renee Demand (Michael) and their daughter, Christy; four grandchildren; Tiona, Takaia, Tristen, Novalee, Shelby, and Sydney; Five, great grandchildren, Tyrese, Darona, Kycion, Kylen, and Charlie; among those who will miss her dearly is her niece, Julie Ann Rowles.

In addition to her parents, Janice was preceded in death by two sons, Matthew and Richard Ballenger; and a niece Tawnya.

Kimberly is having a Celebration of Life gathering with family and friends for her mom from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Curry's Den on Main St. in Sedalia hosted by Pam.

Flo Homan is having a Celebration of Life gathering with family and friends for her sister from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Flo's home in Sedalia.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family, in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

View Janice Sue Jones's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/20/2026

William Farris Dale

William Farris "Bill" Dale, 75, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, Missouri. He was born on September 20, 1950, in Sedalia, the son of Milton Grover Dale and Rosemary (Farris) Dale, who preceded him in death.

On July 13, 1974, in Sedalia, MO, he was previously married to Ruth Neimeyer, who resides in Sedalia.

Bill spent most of his life in Sedalia, aside from his college years in Springfield, Missouri, where he studied wildlife conservation. He was a longtime and devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Sedalia. Through the years, he faithfully served the church in many ways, including serving on the Board of Trustees and running the audio and video equipment during worship services. Bill was known for his quiet dependability and generous heart, always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help.

Bill dedicated 27 years of service as Manager of Maintenance and Transportation for Center for Human Services. Earlier in his working years, he was employed by Dan Bailey Construction and Homemakers Furniture. No matter where he worked, Bill was valued for his strong work ethic, practical skill, and steady presence.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing billiards, and using his talents to help friends and neighbors, often repairing homes and assisting community members whenever he could.

Bill is survived by his son, John Dale (Sarah) of North Carolina; two grandchildren, Eden and Paxton Dale; a brother, Charles Dale of Houston, Texas; and a sister, Mary Margaret Dale of Sedalia.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Milton Dale.

No formal services will be held per Bill's wishes.

Memorial contributions may be made to REBOOT Recovery. Donate online at www.rebootrecovery.com or mail to P.O. Box 381 Pleasant View, TN 37146.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.

View William Farris Dale's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.