At the age of 95, Leatha Clare Conner went home to be with Jesus on June 11, 2011. She was born in a tent on the oil fields of Big Heart, OK on May 1, 1916 to James Cleveland Brookshire and Grace Lea Davis Brookshire. Early in her life she lived on the fields in a community called Tent City, in Borger, TX. Her family moved to Oak Side community, Arroll, MO, where she attended school in Summersville, MO. She met her husband Joseph Walter Conner at Montier, MO and there they were united in holy matrimony on March 30, 1935.

She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Her happiest times were when she was traveling with her family. She always had her suitcase packed "at all times just in case". Some of her many hobbies were sewing, needle work, reading, and her flowers. She would stop and help a family member, neighbor, or friends at a moments notice. Our Mom is gone – there will be a large hole in our hearts and lives. She was much loved and her advice was in valuable. We can no longer call mom to find out "how do you make this or do that". But she would tell us to "keep on keeping on". She's home now and can unpack her suitcase.

Survivors include her children: Robert Joe Conner and wife Wanda of Lebanon, MO; Patricia June Martin and husband William of Vinita, OK; and Billy Lee Conner of Vinita, OK, grandchildren: Mickie Lynn Duray and husband Mike of Badger, MN; Pamela Sue McCall and husband Joe of Lebanon, MO; Mindy Ann Franklin and husband Bob of Lebanon, MO, Robin Jo Gower and husband Craig of Lebanon, MO; Andrew Davis Conner and wife Jamie of Lebanon, MO; Elizabeth Rhonda Lea Slaton and husband Brian of Tulsa, OK; Joseph Lane Henry and wife Kym of Vinita, OK; Sarah Marie Wright and husband, David of Big Cabin, OK; Bobbi Jo Conner of Vinita, OK; Lisa Rochelle Miller and husband Larry of Pryor, OK; and Tony Wade Martin of Bluejacket, OK. Nephews: Frank Brookshire of Rhode Island; Ronnie Pruett and wife Sandy of Mountain View, MO; and Donnie Pruett and wife Lynda of Tightwad, MO. Nieces: Gracie Webster and husband Charles of Mountain View, MO; Jody Borgman and husband Larry of Warsaw, MO and Margaret Pruett of MI. As well as 24 great grandchildren, 14 step great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren and 8 step great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 16, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at Luginbuel Funeral Home, Vinita. Graveside services will be Friday, June 17, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel Hill Cemetery in Mountain View, MO. Officiating will be Chester Webster from Arroll, MO. Services are under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com