LEOTA MAY DEICHMAN SHOEMYER
Leota May Deichman Shoemyer, 71, of Monroe City, MO, passed away at 4:35 pm, Saturday, April 19, 2025, at BRIA of Columbia in Columbia, IL.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 pm, Saturday, April 26, 2025, at New Oakland Baptist Church in Monroe City, MO. Pastor Glenn Hammond will officiate. Burial will follow at New Oakland Baptist Cemetery in Monroe City, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Leota’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at New Oakland Baptist Church in Monroe City, MO.
Arrangements are under the direction of the O’Donnell-Thurman Life Celebration Home in Monroe City, MO.
Leota was born December 28, 1953, in Vandalia, MO to Melvin M. Deichman and Eloise M. Kraft Deichman.
She was married to John Howard Shoemyer on February 20, 1974, in Perry, MO. He preceded her in death on February 8, 2022.
Survivors include her son, William J. Shoemyer of Paris, MO, daughter, Ellie L. (Houston) Lugena of Monroe City, MO, son, James Lewis of Monroe City, MO, sister, Linda Kay Johnson of Mexico, MO, grandchildren, Robert Seymour, Rachel (Tim) Johnston, Jaclyn Shoemyer, Vada Lewis, Jhett Lewis, John Lugena, Vera Lewis, great grandchild, Miley Johnston, and numerous cousins, neighbors and friends.
Leota was preceded in death by her parents, and husband.
Leota’s commitment to service was evident in her active involvement with the Hutchison Homemakers Club, where she currently served as president, and her service on the Ralls County Extension Council. Her leadership extended to the Cornith and Muldrow Cemetery Board, and she inspired the younger generation as a 4-H leader. Her family’s recognition as the Missouri State Fair Farm Family of the year in 2005 representing Ralls County, as a testament to their collective passion for farming, a passion Leota instilled in them.
Her love for the farm was most notable for her love of the animals she raised and cared for. Leota’s ability to nurse any creature back to health was legendary, as was her talent for gardening. Her flowers and vegetables thrived under her attentive eye. Even recently, she still delivered eggs and vegetables for a modest sum, a nod to her enduring work ethic.
Leota’s joy for life was apparent in her hobbies. She could often be found riding her John Deere 4020 or humming along to country western tunes. An amazing cook, Leota’s family meals were second to none, especially her homemade pies. She was a woman who never wasted a moment, who never met a stranger, and who could engage in any conversation with confidence. Leota’s presence will be profoundly missed, yet her legacy will continue to live in those she touched.
Leota was a member of New Oakland Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shiloh Christian Ranch or Family Hospice.
Pallbearers will be James Lewis, Houston Lugena, Andy James, Bryan Evans, David Simpson, Jamie Mudd, and Jhett Lewis.
Honorary pallbearers will be JC Shoemyer, Dalton James, John Lugena, Vera Lewis, Vada Lewis, Rachel Johnston, Jaclyn Shoemyer, and Miley Johnston.
