LaRue Lemons

(From Lockwood Funeral Chapel)

LaRue (Keran) Lemons, lovingly known by many as Nonnie, peacefully departed this life May 6, 2022, at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Lockwood, Missouri. She was 94 years old, born November 6, 1927, in Lockwood, Missouri to Otho H. and Edna M. (Stoltenberg) Keran.

LaRue graduated from Lockwood High School, then attended Missouri State University formerly known as Southwest Missouri State College. 

While attending college LaRue met Charles Fred Lemons. They were married in 1948. They both graduated in 1949. She majored in English and Music. She was a violinist, vocalist, and pianist.

After college graduation she and Fred returned to Lockwood where she began her teaching career. She taught English at Lockwood High School until she chose to stay home and raise their 4 children. LaRue returned to teaching after earning a master’s degree at Drury College in Reading Education and Linguistics. She tutored many children in reading through the years, owned and operated multiple businesses with Fred on Lockwood’s Main Street and enjoyed the farmers that operated the Lemons farms. Throughout her life she was an active member at Lockwood United Methodist Church, participated in the United Methodist Women, served as a Sunday School teacher and the Children’s choir leader.

LaRue was active in politics. She served as President of Dade County Republican Women’s Club, President of the Missouri Federation of Republican Woman, 2011 Missouri FRW Woman of Tribute Honoree. She attended two U.S. Presidential Inaugurations. Other organizations included the Business and Professional Women, Chamber of Commerce, 4H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Oratorical Judging. She served as President of the Roy E. Carr Unit 372 American Legion Auxiliary, President of 15th District American Legion Auxiliary and Treasurer for the Department of Missouri American Legion Auxiliary.

She served 20 years as the Mayor of Lockwood, in addition to serving on the City Council. She was active with the Good Shepherd Nursing Home Board, Lockwood Library, Lockwood Park Board, Lockwood Pool, Lockwood Scholarship Fund and was a founding member of the Lockwood Community Foundation. LaRue loved her hometown and lived almost her entire life in her family home.

LaRue loved to travel, read books, quilt, craft, bake, cook and loved animals. Most of all, she loved being with her family and friends. Her home was often used as the neighborhood storm shelter or for a safe place for kids to play in the yard.

LaRue was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 65 years Charles Fred Lemons and her grand-daughter Lanee Lemons Maggard. Remaining behind are her children: Keran (Stephanee) Lemons, Renee (Mike) Galer, Kelley (Kelli) Lemons, Deidre (Darren) Hedgcorth; Grandchildren: Abbey Lemons, Lucas (Haleigh Throckmorton) Lemons, Leslie (Trey) Friar, Erika Galer, Jason (Ashlyn Hale) Lemons, Jacinda (Tim) Mahan; Great-Grandchildren: Kadence (Fury) Helm, Madilynne Maggard, Brady Hedgcorth, Quinn Friar, Harper Lemons; Extended Family include: Sharon (Jerry) Peacock, Rachel (Matt) Young, Hilary (Kevin) Austin, Elliott Young, Zach Austin, Jerrytt Young, Will Austin, Terry (Karen) Lemons, Debbie Burgess, Michael (Caitlin Duncan) Lemons, Aubree (Nick Koss) Lemons, Lily Koss, Christopher Burgess, Carrie Burgess, Kenn (Jan) Rogers, Misty Rogers, Kris Rogers, and many close friends and neighbors.

“To live in the hearts of those we leave behind, is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell

Please join her family to celebrate a life lived to the fullest that touched many people and organizations. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lockwood Community Foundation for the Fred & LaRue Charitable Trust or the Lockwood United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 10, 2022, from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 10:00am. Both services will be at the Lockwood United Methodist Church. Graveside service will follow at the Lockwood Cemetery. Funeral services are under the care of the Lockwood Funeral Chapel.

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