Lorena Sweeney

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Lorena Ruth Sweeney was born on November 5, 1939 at her parents’ home in Jasper County, Missouri and was the fourth of five sisters and one brother born to Rollin and Mary Jantz. She leaves behind Charles, her husband of fifty-five years along with two daughters, Lori Bowman (Doug) of Springfield, Missouri and Cari Sweeney of Webb City, Missouri as well as one grandson, Joseph Albrecht, of Springfield, Missouri. One sister, Willadean Wuellner, of Joplin, Missouri and one brother, Norman Jantz (Charlotte), of Oronogo, Missouri also survive her. Her sisters Rose Marie, Wanda, and Gladys preceded her in death.

Lorena had the musical gift of “playing by ear” and played the piano and organ at her church for most of her life. She attended Waco and Carl Junction Schools and graduated from Carl Junction High School in 1957 as the valedictorian of her class. 

She married Charles Sweeney on March 16th, 1969 at the Oronogo United Methodist Church, now known as the Oronogo Church on the Hill, where she was also a Sunday School Teacher telling others about the Goodness of God and Jesus until the day she left us. She loved being a grandma to Joey, spending time with her family, and putting together puzzles. But most importantly, she loved the Lord with everything that she was and knew where she was headed. Today, we are rejoicing that Heaven has gained a piano player who can accompany the angels.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made out to the Oronogo Church on the Hill.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home with pastor Terri Haywood officiating. Interment to follow at Weaver Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.