Josephine Phelps

Josephine Phelps, 85, of Richards, Mo., died on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007, at her daughter's home in Hume following a lengthy illness. She was born on Nov. 27, 1921, in Richards, to Harry C. Jadlot and Alma Belle Few Jadlot. On Nov. 9, 1943, she was married to Sterling Wendell Phelps and he preceded her in death in 1983.

Josephine was a life-long resident of Vernon County. She was a graduate of the Metz High School. She was employed in the housekeeping department at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, Kan., for 10 years until her retirement. She was a member of the Rinehart Christian Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Saundra McConnaughey and Betty Wadel and her husband Jerry; five grandchildren, David McConnaughey and his wife Vivian, Kathy Chambers and her husband John, Melissa Keating and her husband Chris, Justin Wadel and his wife Tonya, and Jeremy Wadel; six great-grandchildren, Shaun, Ryan, Cody, Taylor, Elizabeth, and Stacy, and two great-great-grandchildren, Aubrianna and Wyatt. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and her many friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, John, and five brothers, Robert, Paul, Norman, Roy, and an infant brother, Marlin.

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the Rinehart Cemetery near Metz, with the Rev. Chris Burk officiating.

Those who wish may contribute to the Rinehart Christian Church or a charity of the donor's choice in her memory in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.