Elsie M. Price

Elsie M. Widel Price, 100, formerly of Blackwater, peacefully passed to her Heavenly home on May 26, 2017, at Katy Manor in Pilot Grove, Missouri. Elsie was born February 3, 1917, to Philip H. and Octa Caton Widel. She married Alfred F. "Gerald" Price on December 16, 1939 and he preceded her in death on December 21, 1983.

Elsie's greatest pride and joy was her family. She is survived by sons Charles (Patricia) Price and Dennis (Barbara) Price both of Independence, Missouri and her daughter Bonnie Carol (Rodger) Hannel of Kinderhook, Illinois. She is also survived by eight grandchildren; Gary (Kim) Price, Gayla Price-Gutierrez, Monica (Dustin) Ernberger, Kenneth (Kelly) Price, Bradley Price, Brian (Jenny) Hannel, Brenton (Somer) Hannel and Kyle (Aimee) Hannel and by eight great-grandchildren: Derrick Price, Alisha Price, Michael Ernberger, Lenora Hannel, Vivian Hannel, Cadence Hannel, Tyson Hannel and Rocco Hannel. In addition, she is survived by her sister Bonnie (Lawrence) Rapp of Blackwater, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, Elsie was preceded in death by her brother Forest (Marie) Widel and her sister Nettie (George) Becker, a granddaughter in infancy, and great-grandson Brener Hannel.

Elsie graduated from Blackwater High School in 1939. Her first occupation was as telephone switchboard operator in Blackwater. When Gerald began working as a farm hand, they moved to various farms in the area, and Elsie devoted herself to being a homemaker and mother. After they moved back to Blackwater and Gerald began working on the railroad, Elsie helped with the animals and other chores on their small farm in town. She also worked some at the Blackwater MFA store and occasionally was a substitute teacher or cook at the Blackwater Elementary School. Elsie enjoyed babysitting for children in her home, and in 1958 she began full-time child care. Throughout the years, she babysat for 243 different children. Around 1981 when Gerald had to take early retirement due to ill health, Elsie stopped babysitting to take care of him until his death. They were married 44 years. In the latter 1980's Elsie enjoyed taking several senior citizen tours, visiting many different states.

Elsie was a faithful member of the Blackwater Church of Christ and loved her church family. In her younger years, she taught VBS classes. In later years she helped by serving cookies and drinks at VBS. Elsie believed in service to community, and was a member of the Parent/Teacher Organization, the Old Lamine Cemetery Association, and the Senior Citizens Club. She served various offices in these groups from secretary/treasurer to president, as needed. She was an election judge for many years, and she gave blood at the Red Cross Bloodmobile well into her 90's. Since she never learned to drive, she truly appreciated the OATS Bus, and was an OATS contact for the Blackwater area.

Elsie enjoyed gardening, picking up pecans, sewing and embroidery, quilting, reading, playing cards and dominoes, and doing word puzzles.

Elsie remained in her own home until the age of 98, when declining health made it necessary for her to move to Katy Manor for care. Although a stroke in 2016 took away her ability to speak or write, she still enjoyed seeing friends and family, playing cards, and activities at the nursing home.

The family would like to thank the Katy Manor staff, doctors, hospice nurses, volunteers and all who visited, sent cards or flowers, and helped in any way. Every kindness was very much appreciated.

Funeral services for Elsie M. Price will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at the Blackwater Church of Christ with burial to follow in the Old Lamine Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 - 11 AM Wedesday prior to the funeral service.

Memorials are suggested to the Blackwater Church of Christ.

Arrangements are under the care of Meisenheimer Funeral Home of Pilot Grove.

Online condolences may be submitted at www.meisenheimerfuneralhome.com.