Nona Rae (Bodwell) Larson

Nona Rae (Bodwell) Larson passed away December 3, 2009, at Sunset Village of the Ozarks, St. Robert, Missouri, at the age of 85 years, 5 months and 26 days. Nona was one of two children born to the union of the late Earl Alvin and Katharyn Rae (Waterman) Bodwell. She was born June 7, 1924 in Boncarbo, Colorado. Her brother, Neil, preceded her in death. When Nona was very young, her father took a job in Trinidad, Colorado working for the school system, so the family moved right across from the high school where she would graduate in 1942. Nona was baptized and confirmed in the Trinidad United Methodist Church. After graduation, Nona went to work for a trucking company in Trinidad. In the late 1940’s, she was transferred to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she met Frederick Larson. Nona and Fred were married January 18, 1951 in Santa Fe. Together with Nona’s daughter, Katharyn, and Fred’s children, Rose Marie and Ronald, the family would grow to include the twins, Daniel and David and son, Larry. Fred preceded Nona in death in 1996, and Larry in 1994. The Larson family moved to Missouri in the mid 1950’s. Nona worked at Uregas in Waynesville before taking a civil service position at Ft. Leonard Wood as a finance and accounting office clerk where she would retire after 20 years. She was a member of the Hazelgreen United Methodist Church. Along with being generous to a fault, Nona was very talented with handwork. She loved to crochet, and it gave her great pleasure to give away her beautiful afghans and other treasures. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading and bargain hunting. She was a notorious “Black Friday” shopper. Nona will be sadly missed by her five children: Katharyn Chenoweth of Waynesville, Daniel Larson of Port Arthur, Texas, David Larson of Dallas, Texas, Rose Marie Labeau of St. Louis and Ronald Larson of the state of New Jersey; many grand, great grand and great-great grandchildren and other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 6, 2009 in the Hazelgreen Methodist Church of Hazelgreen, Missouri with Ann Decker officiating. Several family members and friends recalled their wonderful memories of Nona. Pianist Joy Lynn Smith accompanied Soloist Zella Wieners as she sang “In the Garden”, “Something About That Name”, “What A Day That Will Be” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. Serving as escorts were Rex Larson, Jason Larson, Kurtis Chenoweth, Jimmy Smith, Josh Dennis, Rob Labeau, Tim Labeau, Michael Larson and Bo Sumner. Burial followed in the Hazelgreen Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory.

Nona Rae (Bodwell) Larson

June 7, 1924 - December 3, 2009