Lettie Irene (Dumpy) McGruder, age 98, of LaBelle, MO, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2013, at the LaBelle Manor. She was born on August 16, 1914, at LaBelle, MO, the daughter of George Granville and Janie Ann Smith Clay.
She was united in marriage to Luther D. McGruder, in 1943, at LaBelle, MO and he preceded her in death in June 20, 1982. She was also preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, William, Walter, Otto, Ralph and Robert Clay, and six sisters, Elizabeth Clay, Geneva Clay and her twin Geneive Clay, George Ellen Hawkins, Irlean Conn and Ethel Wilson.
Surviving are one brother Granville Lewis Clay and wife Frances of Quincy, IL, one nephew raised as a son Michael W. Manley and wife Evelyn of Quincy, IL, a great niece raised as a daughter Geneva Davis and husband Aaron of Quincy, IL, nine grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Irene attended grade school in LaBelle, MO and was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in LaBelle, MO. She was a self employed house keeper and catered parties for several years when she resided in Ft. Madison, Iowa. She enjoyed playing cards with grandchildren, making potato rolls and spending time with family and friends.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2013, at the Coder Funeral Chapel in LaBelle, MO. Burial will be in the LaBelle Cemetery. Pastor James Salter will officiate the services.
Musical selections will be "He Understands, He'll Say Well Done", "Take Me To The King" and "Yesterday".
Casket bearers will be Richard Manley, Michael Abbey, Owen Abbey, Irene Russell, Shane Lewis, McKayla Valentine, Jeffrey Abbey, Kirsten Davis and Richard Abbey.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Thursday, June 20, 2013, at the Coder Funeral Chapel in LaBelle, MO.
Memorials may be made to the Mt. Olive Baptist Church and may be left at or mailed to Coder Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 151, LaBelle, MO, 63447.