LouVenia Myrtle Newton Waddell passed away at the very blessed age of 98 on March 15, 2017, at the Springfield Rehabilitation and HealthCare Center in Springfield, Missouri.   She was a longtime resident of Willard, Missouri, since her birth there on August 31, 1918.

LouVenia's parents were Flora Beatrice Willey and Victor George Newton. She was united in marriage to Raymond Perry Waddell on January 31, 1937, in Oswego, Kansas, after literally saved their pennies to pay for their marriage license. Raymond preceded LouVenia in death December 15, 2001. They were married for 64 wonderful years.

LouVenia worked as a postmaster at the US Post Office at Newports in Springfield, MO. She then worked as the secretary to the Principal and ran the office at Willard High School for 24 years. She retired as a floral designer after another 11 years. Throughout her life, LouVenia had an unwavering faith in God and she served as the head of the alter guild at the Willard First Baptist Church for many years. LouVenia faithfully attended church, as well as her Sunday school class, throughout her life.

LouVenia was a blessing and spark of laughter for everyone around her. She enjoyed spending time in her flower garden and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. LouVenia was a talented seamstress and excellent cook. She and her husband, Raymond, had a love for all animals and she was often seen in Willard walking her dogs.

LouVenia was always happy and never negative under the most difficult times. She especially exemplified this during her year and a half at Springfield Rehabilitation. She referred to her room there as her new apartment and was so very proud. The loving staff there always stated that she was a lovely and sweet lady and always commented on how "sharp" she was dressed daily. The "call" button by her recliner was, in her words, her chocolate milk button…the staff soon caught on that when she pressed it to call them to her aid, it was for a glass of chocolate milk and nothing else.   Some of her favorite "sayings" were as follows and recited daily: "I'm the luckiest girl in the world", "Don't we have fun" (especially when she went to the ice cream parlor there), "Lord willing and the creek don't rise", "I'm fit as a fiddle", "See ya later alligator", "After while crocodile" and, the sweetest, "Hug hug kiss kiss" especially after an almost daily phone conversation with her loving granddaughter Vicki and when someone visiting would leave her room. The family would like to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to the loving, caring and compassionate professional staff at Springfield Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Everyone in every capacity, displayed so much genuine love and compassion for her extended wellness and happiness…..you were our extended family and love you.

She is survived by her sons and their spouse/partner: Steven Perry (partner Mark Wealand) Waddell, Springfield, MO and Victor Frank (Jolene) Waddell, Cotter, AR; 2 grandchildren and their spouses, Vicki (Bob) Case, Sanford, FL and Bryan (Becky) Waddell; 3 great-grandchildren, Bailey (Joshua) Webb, Springfield, MO, Megan Waddell, Springfield, MO, Jordan Case and Peyton Case, Sanford, FL; and, 1 great-great grandchild, Bentley Webb, Springfield, MO.

In addition to her husband, LouVenia was preceded in death by brothers Lon Buster Newton, Stanley Charles Jefferson Newton and Dwight Rex Newton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Castaway Animal Rescue (CARE), 1328 - A West Sunshine Street, Springfield, Mo. 65807. www.CareRescue.org