Leota Dawes

Irma Leota Dawes of Caledonia, Missouri departed this life on May 18, 2013 at her residence having reached the age of seventy seven years, eleven months and four days. She was born on June 14, 1935 in Courtois, Missouri a daughter to the late William Blair and Laura (Turnbough) Blair.

In addition to her parents, Leota was preceded in death by her husband Jesse Dawes; three sons Kenny Dawes, Michael Dawes, Danny Dawes; daughter Irma Dawes Bingaman; three brothers Lindell Blair, Norman Blair, Lloyd Blair and two sisters Glenna Novy and Lee Hedrick.

Leota was a very strong woman. She was a woman who wasn't scared of getting dirty. She has also been known to do things such as work on cars, build dog pens, sew clothes, mostly by hand, as well as chores a normal mother would do.

Leota loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also had a very special companion of five years, her loyal dog, Queeny.

Those who remain to mourn her passing are two daughters Polly Boyer of Cadet, Betty Jellinek and husband John of Bismarck; two sons Jesse "Buddy" Dawes, Jr. of Caldonia, Chuck Dawes and wife Donna of Caledonia; brother John Blair of High Ridge; sister Bonnie Rothlisberger of Caledonia; one daughter in law Tina Steward; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; many other relatives and friends who will sadly miss her.

Funeral services were conduced on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 2 PM at the DeClue Chapel with Rev. Carol Brown officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Brian Dawes, Bobby Boyer, Josh Boyer, Billy Dawes, Chris Dawes, Bradley Dawes, Dustin Neinkamp, Danny Jellinek and Kyle Dane.

Interment and final prayers were held at the Antioch Cemetery. All arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Family Funeral Home.