Ruby “Monzelle” (Harkey) Woodfin – Bolivar, MO (formerly of Benton,IL)

BENTON — Ruby “Monzelle” (Harkey) Woodfin of Bolivar, Missouri, formerly of Benton, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, Aug. 21, 2016, holding her loving husband’s hand while surrounded by her children.

woodfinShe took great pride in being a pastor’s wife, mother and homemaker. She was an excellent seamstress and could seemingly make something out of nothing for whatever her kids needed. She held secretarial positions in Benton and Advance. Her faith and love for God was evident in the life she led. But one of her greatest joys was being a grandmother!

Monzelle was born Dec. 19, 1928, in Leacheville, Arkansas, to Elmer and Ruby (Nall) Harkey.

On Nov. 1, 1947, she married Clinton R. Woodfin in Piggott, Arkansas. They spent almost 69 wonderful years together.

To this union was born four children. They include one son, Steven and wife, Sue, of Benton; and three daughters, Lynne Edwards of Benton, Karen Reinhold and husband, Don, of Tampa, Florida, and Kris McClard and husband, Steve, of Bolivar, Missouri.

She was so very proud of her grandchildren including Marci Woodfin Glover and husband, Daniel, of Benton, Mica Woodfin Roundcount and husband, Matt, of Bethalto, Brent Edwards of Largo, Florida, Ben Edwards of St. Louis, Missouri, Jonathan Edwards and wife, Natalie of Benton, Joshua Reinhold and fiancée, Kristina of Austin, Texas, Daniel Reinhold of Los Angeles, California, Andrew and Parker McClard of Bolivar, Missouri.

Her five precious great-grandchildren are Keegan and Kinley Glover of Benton, Evan and Madelyn Roundcount of Bethalto, and Kane Edwards of Benton. In her family’s words, “Oh, how her face would light up when they came into the room!”

In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, she is survived by two brothers, Walter Harkey and wife, Peggy of Meadowbrook, and Howard Harkey and wife, Dorothy, of Shipman; sister, June Becraft and husband, Barney of Keyesport, and sister-in-law, Donna Harkey of Moro; brother-in-law, Ivan Woodfin and wife, Gavada of Advance, Missouri; and sister-in-law, Helen Woodfin of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She was also a loving aunt to many special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Gerald Retherford; brother, Jack Harkey; her special father and mother-in-law, John and Nellie Woodfin; brother-in-law, Leonard Woodfin; and special nieces and nephew, JoAnn Rice, Joyce Jarman and David Harkey.

Celebration of Life services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26, in Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, with the Rev. James Kerley, Pastor Sammy Simmons and Music Minister John Odle officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church.

Memorials may be made to CMH Hospice in Bolivar, Missouri.

For more information or to sign the online guest register, visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.

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