Denise McQuality

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Denise McQuality passed away on May 8, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri with her loved ones by her side. Denise was born on September 28, 1953, at Sale Hospital in Neosho, Missouri to Jerry Vance and Jobyna (Officer) Shewmake.

Denise grew up in Newton County, Missouri. She attended and graduated from East Newton High School. She also attended MSSC in Joplin, Missouri. She enjoyed reading books and continued to learn, her entire life. 

 

Over the years, she had a few different jobs, but the profession she enjoyed the most was the 12 years she was a typesetter. She worked for both the Neosho Daily News and Big Nickel. Before retiring, she was a service representative for Scholastic of Neosho, Missouri, for 15 years.

She wed David McQuality on July 9, 1982, in Pineville, Missouri. They shared 43 years together before her passing.

Always an animal lover, Denise was a dedicated member of an animal rescue organization that served the Newton County area. She helped rescue abused and neglected animals and helped them to find a new home. Several of the animals, especially cats, found their new home with Denise.

When she wasn’t working or volunteering, Denise enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She was described as “the prettiest, coolest aunt” by her niece Shannon. She loved sitting on her porch and working in her yard. She loved to plant flowers and was especially fond of her mums and tulips that she planted all over her property. 

 

She is survived by her husband, David; her daughter, Callie Oathout (Christian) of Webb City, Missouri; four grandchildren: Joshua Oathout (Alyssa) of Carl Junction, Missouri; Maggie Johnston (Jacob) of Blue Mound, Kansas, Emma Mueller (Nick) of Nixa, Missouri, and Sarah Oathout of Webb City, Missouri; one great-grandson, Jackson; one brother, Buck Shewmake; one niece, Shannon McQuality of Lampe, Missouri; and one nephew, Michael McQuality of Ft. Drum in New York.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Jobyna Shewmake, her aunt, Jo Silence, and her brother-in-law, Kevin McQuality.

A Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Advocates c/o Clark Funeral Home P.O. Box 66 Neosho, Missouri 64850.