Leola Fern (Davis) Bliss

Leola Fern (Davis) Bliss, 97, Richmond, MO, died Monday, February 27th, 2017 at the Excelsior Springs Convalescent Center.

Leola was born September 17, 1919 in Richmond to John "Ray" Davis and Cora (Whitmer) Davis. She married Albert R. Bliss of Braymer, MO on February 16, 1941.

Survivors include one daughter, Judith Ann (Bliss) Davis of Richmond; two granddaughters, Kathy and husband, Bob Waller of Parkville, MO and Heather and husband, Bart Evans of Sugar Land, TX; four great-grandchildren, Courtney and husband, Matt Robb of Kansas City, MO, Rachael Waller of Los Angeles, CA, Andrew Evans and Abbey Evans of Sugar Land, TX; and three great-great-grandsons, Colton, Jaxon and Austin Robb of Kansas City, MO; one nephew, Earl Ray and wife, Elaine Davis of West Linn, OR; and many beloved nieces and nephews and special friends, Carol Maples and Lynn and Wayne Simpson.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years, Albert R. Bliss, her parents, one brother, Earl Edward Davis, and Helen Briant.

Leola was raised in Ray County and graduated from Henrietta High School. She was baptized in the Henrietta Baptist Church at age 11 and after joining the Richmond church in 1930, had the distinction of being a member of the Richmond First Baptist Church for the most number of years in church history. She worked at Weary's Variety Store, Mode Day Dress Shop, Blair's Gift Shop, the Ray County Collector's Office and was a teacher's aide at Woodson School. Leola was an avid gardener and a talented and creative seamstress and quilter who enjoyed traveling with her husband, friends and family. She continued making new friends right up until her final days, with her greatest joy being the time she spent with her many grandchildren whom will miss her dearly.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid America Chapter, 7611 State Line, Ste 100, Kansas City, MO 64114

The family would like to thank the caring staff at the Excelsior Springs Hospital Residential Care and Convalescent Center and Good Shepherd Hospice.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will be Thursday, March 2, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Burial will be in the Richmond Memory Gardens Cemetery. On line condolences may be left on our website at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com