Waunita Witt

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Waunita Ann Witt, age 87, of Pulaskifield, MO passed from this life on Thursday, October 13, 2022 surrounded by her family. She was born in Monett, MO on February 17, 1935; daughter of Odie V Williams and Pearl (Taylor) Williams. 

A graduate of the 1954 class of Monett High School, she stayed active in planning her class reunions for many years. 

Waunita met the love of her life during her sophomore year of high school. She married Edmund Witt on April 20, 1955 in Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Pulaskifield, MO. Not yet having joined the Catholic faith, Waunita and Edmund should have been married in the rectory. However, by the persistence of her soon to be father-in-law, she was the first non-Catholic to be married in the church. She soon, thereafter, received her Rite of Initiation into the Catholic Church and her and her family have remained parishioners for the past 67 years.

In her early years Waunita drove bus #2 for the Pierce City School District, sold tupperware, Avon and Mary Kay, raised her four children and a grandchild, supported her farmer husband and volunteered much time to her church. She served as a religion teacher, on the Parish Council of Catholic Women, planned and cooked many funeral dinners, and served on various committees including the Uczta planning committee. 

Her hand-drawn depictions of the Uczta girl and the SS. Peter & Paul church can be found on commemorative items. Waunita loved to draw and crafting became one of her favorite hobbies. She made many painted sweatshirts, holiday wreaths and sports yard signs that spread across the community. She loved making and decorating cakes too, especially for her children and grandchildren.

She was a member of the Red Hat Society, loved garage sales, scary movies, chocolate, and Christmas. A substantial Santa Claus collection can be found sprinkled around her house year-round. Purple and sparkles were her signature color, it was very rare to find her without either.

Waunita had several nicknames in her life given by so many who loved her dearly. She would happily encourage anyone she met to call her Mom, while even more called her Gram. You knew she loved you if she gave you a hard time and freely said “love you a bushel and a peck”.

Surviving are her husband, Edmund of Pulaskifield, MO; one son, Mark of Pulaskifield; two daughters Melissa (Don) Gaskin of Savannah, Georgia; Crista (Dean Burden) of Pulaskifield. Her grand-children, Elizabeth (Jay) Burdett of Aurora, MO; Nick (Brooke) Witt of Monett, MO; Katrina McBlair of Pierce City; Mandy (Kevin) Nolte of Joplin, MO, Kenzie (Sandra) Witt of Florida; Geremy (Amber) Doss of Exeter, MO; Levi (Emily) Witt of Springfield, MO; Amy (John) Humes of Monett, MO; Taylor (Sam) Baumgardner of Irmo, SC; Witt (Cammie Russell) Bobski of Springfield, MO; 18 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

She was welcomed into heaven by family members, her parents Odie and Pearl, her sister Lois Messer, one son, Greg Witt and three grandchildren—Darien Witt, Aden Burdett, and Wyatt Humes.

The family will receive friends at Lakin Funeral Home on Sunday, October 16th at 5:30pm with a Rosary to follow at 7pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Pulaskifield, MO on Monday, October 17th beginning at 10:00am with Father Paul Pudhota officiating. Burial will follow at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery in Pulaskifield. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.

Pallbearers will be grandsons: Witt Bobski, Kevin Nolte, John Humes, Jay Burdett, Kordel McBlair, Levi Witt, Nick Witt.

Memorials may be made to SS Peter and Paul Cemetery.