Zelda Lance

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Zelda Lance passed away peacefully on May 7th after a short illness. She was born on February 27th, 1930, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Joshua and Lily Ethel Thompson. Zelda was the eldest of five girls, and she helped take care of her younger sisters as they grew up in the hills of Baxter County during the Depression years.

In October of 1949, Zelda married Francis (Curly) Lance, and they moved to Neosho, Missouri, to begin their family. Zelda worked in the area as a waitress and also worked for many years at Walmart. She was an accomplished seamstress, and she often crocheted blankets and did needle work for friends and family. She was also generous with her excellent cooking skills, baking her family’s favorites for them.

Zelda was an active member of the Leawood Village Church of Christ, having attended for 60 years. She was also a life-long St. Louis Cardinals fan and watched every game in her later years.

Zelda was preceded in death by her husband, Francis, and her sisters Wilma Morris, Dorothy Kemp, and Jennie Thompson. She is survived by her children Terry Lance (Kathy), Joan Kearny (Tom), a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jerry and Pauline Fast, a sister Marva Lewis, two grandchildren Eric Lance and Teresa Boyd, four great-grandchildren, and six great great-grandchildren.

The funeral service has been scheduled for 2:00 pm Monday, May 12 at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Family will receive friends and visitors from 2:00 to 3:00 pm Sunday, May 11 at Mason-Woodard.

Memorial contributions can be made to Joplin Humane Society in care of the mortuary.