Loretta Meneley

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Loretta Meneley, a cherished matriarch, and devout Christian passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024, at the age of 89 in Grove, Oklahoma. Born on November 4, 1934, in Ada, Oklahoma, Loretta's life was a testament to her unwavering faith, creative spirit, and the love she held for her family.

Professionally, Loretta was a proud entrepreneur, owning and operating a Bible Book Store from 1976 to 1979. Her innovative spirit shone brightly when she penned a letter to Sam Walton, suggesting the addition of a greeter to welcome customers. This simple, yet profound idea led to her becoming the first-ever Walmart greeter at the Grove, Oklahoma store, setting a precedent for the retail industry and adding a personal touch that has since become a staple.

Loretta's dedication to her faith was unwavering. She became an ordained minister in the Pentecostal Holiness Church, where she devoted herself to spreading the gospel and serving her community. Her love for the Lord was evident in every aspect of her life, and she spent her days following Him and sharing His word with others.

Her interests were as diverse as they were passionate. Loretta's love for music was expressed through singing, playing the piano, and writing songs. Her creative talents extended to quilting, crocheting, and painting with oils and acrylics. Each piece she created was a reflection of her loving nature and her desire to bring beauty into the world.

Those who knew Loretta would describe her as loving, kind, and generous. She had a heart that knew no bounds and a spirit that was as giving as it was joyful. Her presence was a comfort and her guidance a beacon for those seeking solace and strength.

Loretta was the beloved daughter of the late Joe Sharp and Elsie Mae Golden. Her memory will be treasured by her sons, Larry E. Shields and wife, Mary Louise, of Southwest City, Missouri, Mike Shields and wife Debbie, of Maysville, Oklahoma, Mark Shields and wife, Delpha, of Southwest City, Missouri, and Jerry N. Shields and wife, Bobbi, of Southwest City, Missouri. She leaves behind 15 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Jeanie Burns, Mary Quart, Joyce Waltz, Linda Pettipiece, and Sally Shorter and a host of other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Don, Jack, and Bob Sharp; her sisters, Betty Shields and Wanda Davis; her son, Doyle Shields; her grandson, Edward Shields; and her granddaughter, Kylie Shields. Loretta's journey through life was shared with her first husband, the late Edward Shields, and her second husband, the late Howard L. Meneley. Together, they built a life filled with love, faith, and community service.

As we bid farewell to Loretta Meneley, we celebrate a life that was rich in experiences and abundant in love. Her influence will continue to be felt through the lives she touched, the community she helped build, and the family she adored. Loretta's memory will be cherished and kept alive in the stories shared, the lessons taught, and the love that will continue to ripple through generations.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 6, 2024 at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri with Larry Shields officiating. Burial will follow at the Southwest City Cemetery in Southwest City, Missouri. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are her grandsons, Robert Shields, Josuah Shields, Mark Anthony Shields, Cody Lee Shields, Derrick Neil Shields, Michael Shields, Matthew Shields, Mitchell Ryan Shields. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.