Lethea Edwards

Lethea “Ophelia” Edwards, 93, of Sullivan, MO, passed away peacefully at Barnes – Jewish Hospital, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021.

Lethea Ophelia was born Feb. 27, 1927, in Malvern, Arkansas, to the late George and Stella (Keisler) Otts. Mrs. Edwards was a long-time resident of Bourbon and spent the last 15 years in Sullivan. She was also a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Bourbon. She worked at Bourbon Schools as head cook for several years, and was famous for her homemade rolls.

During World War II, Ophelia lived with a cousin and attended high school in San Antonio, TX, where she made lifelong friends. She attended many class reunions and kept in close contact with those friends throughout the years. 

Ophelia’s devotion to her family was rivaled only by her love of fishing, square dancing and gardening. For many years, she was a frequent sight at her grandsons’ athletic and school events, which she only missed when the fish were biting especially well or a square dance trip. She had an uncanny ability to catch a limit of crappie on the worst days at the lake, which always impressed those who camped alongside her. 

Though Ophelia will be dearly missed, these stories and the example of her life will live on. Her kindness and generosity to neighbors and friends included the sharing of garden products and childcare. She was a loyal friend who enjoyed helping others problem solve, often amazing her husband and friends with seeing a better way to accomplish a difficult task. 

Ophelia is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ellen and Raney Crider, of Sullivan; two grandchildren, Ryan and wife, Goldie, of Blue Springs, MO, and Dustin and wife, Erin, of Golden, CO; two great-grandchildren, Chloe and Hudson; and countless extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Edwards, Jr., whom she was married to for 71 years; one son, Tony; her parents, George and Stella Otts; and seven brothers and sisters. 

Private funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 at First United Methodist Church of Bourbon, with Pastor Alecia Fischer officiating. Interment will follow in Lea Cemetery – Leasburg. Extended family and friends can view the service on the church Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mrs. Edward’s memory may be made to First United Methodist Church of Bourbon. 

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.