Leola Marie Andrews

Leola Marie Andrews began her new life with her Lord on Christmas Day, December 25, 2016, following a short illness in Joplin, MO. She was born November 22, 1930, to Earl and Mary Simmons, of Galena, Oklahoma. She recently turned 86 years of age. Leola was preceded in death by her husband O. E. Andrews in 2009 after sixty years of marriage. She is survived by two daughters, Peggy LaVelle and husband E. J. LaVelle and Leasa Frye and husband Frank Frye, both of Webb City, MO; one granddaughter Andrea Frye with husband Mike Regall of Breckenridge, CO; and one granddaughter Ashley Frye of Webb City. She is survived by one sister, Donna Robinson, of Colorado Springs, CO. Growing up in Western Oklahoma, she worked hard on the family farm developing a strong work ethic and numerous skills, participated in 4-H learning about livestock, sewing and cooking, and concentrated on her schooling becoming the Valedictorian of her senior class. She also won an all-expense paid trip to Chicago, IL, for her accomplishments in 4-H in high school. She married husband O. E., from Aline, OK, on January 1, 1949. After ranching there for several years, they moved to the Barnsdall area to purchase their own ranch. Their first child, Peggy, was born while living in the area. Later, her husband felt the call to enter the ministry and they moved to Oklahoma City, where both Leola and husband attended Midwest Christian College. Leola developed her musical talents and shared her artistic abilities through chalk art and music combined. A second daughter, Leasa, was born in Oklahoma City. They lived and worked in a ministry in Deer Creek, OK, while attending Midwest and then moved back to Barnsdall in 1963. She moved to the Joplin, MO, area in 2011, while recovering from a broken hip, to receive medical care. She remained in Joplin until her passing on Christmas Day. Leola was always active in serving through her local church by playing the piano for services, teaching Sunday School and VBS, serving at Christian Service Camp, sending cards to those in the community and caring for many who needed assistance. When there was no Girl Scout troop for the girls of the community, she obtained training and started a Girl Scout Troup for the Barnsdall area. She continued with her art later in life by learning to do oil painting, where she amazed many with her talents. She was tireless in her service to others, serving both family and non-family in her later years. She worked for Phillips Petroleum Company for over 20 years. She was an excellent musician, cook, seamstress, ranch hand, gardener and caregiver; however, she felt that her most important job in life was sharing the love of Jesus with others. Her generosity was boundless and her love for God was exemplified by her life of service to others. She never gave up on anyone she met and endured many hardships throughout her life. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, on Monday, January 2nd, at Stumpff Funeral Home in Barnsdall. A Celebration Service will be held on Tuesday, January 3rd, at the Barnsdall First Christian Church at 2:00 PM. Graveside service will be followed at Ethel Reece Cemetery.

Leola Marie Andrews

November 22, 1930 - December 25, 2016