Letha Marie Mowry

Letha Marie Mowry, a beloved member of the Maryville community, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on March 2, 1930 in Graham, Missouri, Letha was a cherished daughter of the late Lee Edison Shull and Ruth Mary Shull.

Letha was graduate of Horace Mann High School, where she laid the foundation for a life dedicated to learning and community service. She served as the Recorder of Deeds for Nodaway County in Maryville, Missouri, for 12 years, where her meticulous nature and dedication to public service were evident to all who knew her.

A passionate genealogist, Letha amassed a comprehensive library of genealogy books and maintained a database of over half a million entries. Her expertise made her the go-to person for genealogy in Northwest Missouri. Letha's love for connecting with people was unparalleled; she was always eager to engage in conversation and often found common ground with everyone she met. Her keen interest in local history led her to diligently scrub newspaper obituaries for the five-county area, ensuring that the stories of those who passed were preserved.

Letha was also a voracious reader and enjoyed counted cross-stitch and word puzzles, pursuits that reflected her sharp mind and attention to detail.

Letha is survived by her loving children, Henry (Velda) Mowry of Castaic, CA, and Elizabeth (Steve) Mowry-Harbstreit of Kearney, MO. She also leaves behind her brother, James (Connie) Leroy Shull of Savannah, MO, and her cherished grandchildren: Christopher (Allison) Mowry, Michael (Breanna) Mowry, Lauren (Eric) Kendera, Kay (James) Leeper, and Matthew (Sherrene) Harbstreit. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Payton Mowry, Camdyn Mowry, Sloane Kendera, Cade Kendera, Dalton Leeper, and Charlie Harbstreit.

Letha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Eugene Mowry, her sister, Mary Nelle Adkins, and her parents.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at a visitation on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Bram Funeral Home in Maryville, MO. A funeral service will follow from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the same location. Arrangements are provided by Bram Funeral Home.

Letha Marie Mowry will be remembered for her warmth, her dedication to preserving history, and her ability to connect with others. Her contributions to her community and her family will be cherished for generations to come.

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