Wilda Earlyn Harrison

Wilda Earlyn Harrison, 83, of Boonville, Missouri, passed away June 1, 2026, in Columbia, Missouri with her granddaughter Brianna at her side. Wilda was born November 6, 1942, in the Harrison family home near Richland, Missouri, to Raleigh Earl Harrison and Wilma (Carlson) Harrison. As a young girl, she enjoyed being outdoors and helping with chores on the family farm, often with her rag doll companion by her side. Wilda was a gifted student who never missed a single day of school and graduated as valedictorian of Hartville High School in Hartville, Missouri, in 1960. In 1964, Wilda married Richard Dale Force, with whom she had two sons: Richard Christopher (Chris) Force and Brian Keith Force. While raising her sons, Wilda resided in Alaska, Ohio, and Missouri. Education remained one of Wilda’s lifelong passions. She attended the University of Missouri–Columbia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in General Science in 1975, a Master of Education in Counseling & Personnel in 1977, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Practical Arts & Vocational-Technical Education in 1996. From 1978 to 1981, Wilda served as Director of Distributive Education at Boonslick Area Vocational School in Boonville. In June 1981, she was appointed 4-H Youth Specialist for the Northeast Missouri area, based in Knox County. In 1982, she began serving as a State Extension Specialist in Financial Education with Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in Jefferson City, Missouri, where she developed and led financial education programs for underserved and minority youth across Missouri, with a focus on money management skills and 4-H programming. Wilda dedicated herself to this role until her retirement in 2012, after which she managed numerous rental properties and cherished extra time with family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; twin sister, Hilda Verlyn Harrison at birth; infant brothers Winfred Harrison and Wayne Edsel Harrison; brother, Winston Efton Harrison; and son, Brian Force. Wilda is survived by her son, Chris (Kim) Force of Prairie Home, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Force of Speed, Missouri; grandchildren, Richard Laden (Jordan) Force of Leonard; Missouri, Brianna Delrose Force (Quintin Mapes) of Edina, Missouri; Hunter Raleigh Force of Boonville, Missouri; Huston Christopher Force of Columbia, Missouri; and Bowen Ripley Force of Prairie Home, Missouri; and great-grandchildren, Richard Stone Force, James Wilder Force, Clifton Zee Force, Dathan Ray Mapes, and Hatcher Harrison Mapes. Wilda will be remembered for her love of learning, her generous spirit, and her sincere interest in others. She enjoyed searching for bargains at garage sales and collecting antiques, particularly dishes from around the world. Wilda had a special love for animals, especially cats. After retirement, she enjoyed the wildlife and livestock while living with her son Chris and his family on their farm. Wilda found great joy in teaching, helping those less fortunate, and visiting with people wherever she went. Through her warm nature, kindness, and generosity, Wilda touched the lives of countless family members, friends, students, and community members. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, curiosity, the ability to see beauty all around her, and service to others. Wilda will be cremated and laid to rest beside her twin sister and their parents. A graveside service will be held August 1, 2026, at Saint John’s Swede Cemetery near Swedeborg, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri 4-H Foundation or to Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Pantry in Boonville, Missouri.

Wilda Earlyn Harrison

November 6, 1942 - June 1, 2026