Lavera Lillian “Fritz” Harrell, 91, of Sedalia, passed away Friday, August 5, 2022, at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center.
She was born November 26, 1930, in Florence, daughter of Walter and Emma (Schultz) Semkin.
On September 6, 1952, in Stover, she married Melvin Ray “Bud” Harrell, who preceded her in death on February 7, 2013.
Fritz was a 1949 graduate of Stover School. She worked as a secretary for Sammons and Buller Architects for twenty years.
She was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church, where she was the longtime coat ministry coordinator and member of United Methodist Women. She also volunteered with the Bothwell Auxiliary.
Fritz enjoyed sewing, camping, square dancing with Bud, and playing Mahjong. To know her was to love her. She never knew a stranger and was the glue that held her family together.
Surviving are two children, Greg Harrell (Judy) of Sedalia, and Diane Rothen (Jeff) of Olathe, KS; four grandchildren, Miles (Maddie), Alex (Allison), Andrew and Izzy; and a great-grandson, Sutton.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Dorene Zimmerschied; a brother, Lenny Semkin; and a sister in infancy.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at Heckart Funeral Home, with Rev. Candace Fowler officiating.
Casket bearers will be Jeff Rothen, Alex Harrell, Andrew Harrell, Miles Steele, Todd Harrell, Brett Atkinson and Blake Atkinson. Izzy Rothen will be an honorary bearer.
Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 8, 2022, at Heckart Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church.