Edna Weitzel

Edna May Weitzel (nee Keel), 77, died January 22, 2015 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri following a short illness. Edna May was born in June, 1937 in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Survivors include her Special Friend Earl Brandriff of San Diego, CA, children Kathy Lancing (nee Weitzel) and Bruce Weitzel of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, brother Billy Keel of Arnold, Missouri and sister Martha Slinkard (nee Keel) of Kansas City, Missouri. Edna May has four granddaughters, Rachel Weatherford, of San Diego, and sisters Macy, Savannah, and Mallory Weitzel, Poplar Bluff, MO and a great granddaughter, Danica Weatherford of Isla Vista, CA. Preceding her in death were her father, Jerry O'Leary "Larry" Keel and mother, Ruby Lucille (nee Carver) Keel. Sister Nedra and brother, Donny died as children, while brothers Jerry and Jimmy Keel gave Edna May more nieces and nephews to love. After graduating high school in Desloge, Missouri, Edna May moved to St. Louis to begin Nursing School and work as a phone operator. Upon marriage to Paul Weitzel, she began the life of the Army wife. She arrived in Wurzburg, Germany and had her children there. Returning stateside in 1959, a short time was spent on the East Coast, followed by Colorado, and then Ft. Leonard Wood. Her family retired to Poplar Bluff, Missouri in 1969. Edna May was a member of the First United Methodist congregation and taught Sunday School for Kindergarten-age children. She worked in different capacities until re-enrolling into Nursing School, following an almost-20-year hiatus. She received her LPN License in 1975 and loved nursing. Her career included med-surg, trauma, and emergency nursing. She began providing in-home nursing, often becoming like a family member to the patients. She was active in the downtown Seniors groups that were vocal participants in City Hall Meetings, and participated in outreach activities involving senior citizens, animal abuse, and civil rights. She was characterized by her strong faith, character, wit, and kindness. Mrs. Weitzel will have early visitation services @ 1pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2015, followed by a service @2pm. The burial will be @3pm at the Old Salem Cemetary. All services provided by C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home, 1116 N, Desloge Drive, Desloge, MO 63601 (573)431-2686 or www.czboyer.com