Ella May Warner, 87, of Polo, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, December 29, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Ella May was born on October 1, 1936, in Kingston, the daughter of Theodore and Pauline (Frazier) Harper.  She was united in marriage to Robert W. "Bob" Hufft of Polo on July 9, 1954; Bob preceded her in death on February 23, 1985.  She was then united in marriage to Forrest "Corky" Warner of Houston, MO on April 11, 1997; Corky preceded her in death on September 20, 2007.  For the past 13 years, her life partner and companion has been Ben White of Polo; he survives of the home.

Additional survivors include four sons: Ted (Jayne) Hufft of Overland Park, KS, Tom (Gail) Hufft of Indian Lakes, FL, Tony Hufft of Polo and Tim (Beverly) Hufft, of Polo; six grandchildren: Jason Hufft, Julie (Jake) Vollertsen, Tommy, Jr. (Carly) Hufft, Jessica (Jack) Curtis, Nicole (Joel) Page, and Lana (Grant) Mason; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, sister, Nelda Fay (Harper) Sweem, brother-in-law, David "Junior" Sweem and nephew, Neal Sweem.

Ella May was reared and educated in the area of her birth and graduated from J.C. Penney High School in Hamilton.  In 1964, her first husband, Bob Hufft built the Polo Panther Drive-In.  They owned and operated the drive-in until 1987 two years after her husband died.  Ella was also known in Polo for the newspaper articles she wrote for the Polo Newspaper.  She was a member of the Acacia Chapter 42 of the Eastern Star in Polo where she served as Past Worthy Matron.  She was also a member of the Knoxville Community Church.  She loved to cook, enjoyed traveling, and decorating for the holidays.  She especially liked socializing and entertaining for family gatherings and her friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Polo Fire Department.  They may be mailed or dropped off at the business office for Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street, P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with memorial services will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at the Knoxville Community Church with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. with services to follow at 1:30 p.m.  There will be Order of the Eastern Star Service beginning at 1:15 p.m.  Inurnment will follow services  in the Lawson Cemetery.  Please remember to share your memories of Ella May with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.