Lela Gudenkauf, 93, of Springfield, MO, passed away at 1:03 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2013, in Mercy Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Gudenkauf, and grandson Randy Baker, and 8 brothers and sisters. Lela is survived by her daughters, Karen (Willie) Wade, Lynne (Vernon) Baker, Ann (John) Meese, Kathleen (Jim) Bauer, 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren Lela was born and raised in Seneca, Kansas on August 21, 1920. After graduation from Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas, she worked at Radio Aircraft Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio during World War II. Lela was married to Bill Gudenkauf in New Orleans on October 31, 1944. In 1951, they moved to Springfield where they raised 4 daughters. She was an active member of the Catholic community. Her faith influenced every aspect of her life and her prayer list was extensive. Lela loved her sons-in-law and often reminded her daughters to be nice to them. Her most special love was reserved for her grand-children, all of whom she helped care for at one time or another. Granny was loved by all who met her, and her beautiful smile will be dearly missed. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2013, in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will be in Springfield National Cemetery. Rosary service will be 7 p.m. Monday with visitation following from 7:30 to 8:30 in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Springfield Catholic Schools Endowment Fund.