Lura Faye Hambelton, 95, of Gainesville, MO left this earth for her new heavenly home on November 26, 2021. Lura’s final days were spent at home surrounded by the devoted love and care of her family.
Lura, or Lura Faye as many called her, was born on February 26, 1926, to Thomas Arthur Miller and Ollie Ray (Pitchford) Miller, of Gainesville. Growing up on a farm as the 3rd of 8 children, Lura learned how to work hard and live frugally. On occasion Lura shared memories of walking 2 ½ miles to school and church (walking across logs on 2 creeks), riding in the back of a horse-drawn wagon, scrubbing clothes on a washboard at the creek, working in the fields, carrying firewood, and helping with other chores. Six of the eight siblings have preceded Lura in death, with only the youngest, Fern Beasley, still surviving. Those who have preceded Lura are: Violet Morrison, Velta Hambelton, Nova Bryan, Arthur (Junior) Miller, Fred Miller, and Jake Miller.
During World War II, Lura left Gainesville for a short time to work at Beech Aircraft in Wichita, KS, while waiting for her fiance’, Hugo Hambelton, to return from the war. After the war ended and Hugo came home, they were married on October 14, 1945, in a double-wedding ceremony with Hugo’s brother, Ted, and his bride, Lessie Robbins. This happy union lasted 57 years until Hugo’s death on December 1, 2002.
In 1947, Hugo and Lura purchased the farm where Lura was still residing at the time of her death. Their marriage blessed them with 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Their children are: Vance Hambelton and deceased wife, Phyllis; Patricia Jarman and husband, Roger; Charlotte Barr; Stacy Hambelton and wife, Brenda. Grandchildren included: Lance Jarman and wife, Joyce; Bradley Hambelton (deceased); Clint Barr and wife, Libby; Stephen Hambelton (deceased); Patti McDaniel; Tracy Thomas; Brian Hambelton and wife, Casey; Renee Hambelton; Aaron Hambelton; Caleb Hambelton & wife, Jennifer; Kara Johnson and husband, Scott; Kristen Chapman and husband Jonathan. Great grandchildren are: Callaway Anderson and husband, Dylan; Alexa Barr; Brad Jarman; Jeb Jarman; Kaylee Jarman; Jalen Thomas; Kendall Thomas; Janessa Thomas; Shayla Thomas; Bryce Hambelton; Andrew Hambelton; Ryan McDaniel; Connor McDaniel; Rylie Johnson; Calum Johnson; Collin Hambelton; and Nora Beth Hambelton. Lura also leaves behind several adoring nieces and nephews.
Lura loved cooking large meals for her family and friends, and even worked as a cook for the Gainesville Schools for 25 years before she retired in 1991. She also did a lot of gardening and was known for her wonderful home-canned green beans, of which she canned over 300 quarts in one summer, and her famous strawberry shortcake. In her younger years, Lura enjoyed sewing, embroidering, making quilts, and attending bluegrass festivals with Hugo. She loved socializing and was known for her annual birthday parties. However, the lively “music parties” at her house eventually became too much work for her, so were replaced by a less lively birthday celebration given for her by her children.
Lura lived a life worthy of honor and respect. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, as well as a faithful Christian and active member of the Gainesville Church of Christ. Her departure from this earth leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of many, but those who know her best and share her faith, find peace in knowing that her death here means a better life in heaven with no more pain, no tears and no suffering. So, it is with sad hearts but joyful anticipation, that we can say, “We’ll miss you, but we’ll see you later!”.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 29, 2021 at the Gainesville Church of Christ with Halbert Smith officiating. Visitation will be Monday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to service time. Burial will be in the Patrick Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Patrick Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.
