Tomasa "Tomie" Kelso

Tomasa " Tomie" Kelso, age 69 of Higginsville, Missouri died on Sunday, January 6, 2013, at her home. Born Sunday, August 8, 1943 in Indio, California , she was the daughter of the late Ponciano Lopez Torres and the late Maria Louisa (Parr) Lopez. She married Bruce Kelso September 2, 1968. He preceded her in death January 13, 2003. Also preceded in death are five brothers, Roberto, Ponciano, Jr., Alejandro, Avelino, and Wenseldo; three sisters, Roberta Lopez , Maria Louisa Lopez, and Sarah Avlia. Mrs. Kelso worked as a Developmental Assistant I at the Higginsville Habilitation Center, retiring in 2003. She lived most of her life in Higginsville. She was a former Girl Scout leader, a member of Immanuel Luthern Church and a member of Priscilla Circle of the church as well as a women's weekly Bible study. Surviving are two sons, Kenneth "Butch" Portell of Higginsville, Keith (Michele) Portell of Wellington, Misssouri; two daughters, Vicky (Stan) Rhodes of Corder, Missouri, Alice Evans of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; five brothers, Felix (Eva) Lopez of McFarland, California, Jose Juan (Ruth) Lopez of Indio, California, Ricardo (Lisa) Lopez of Reno, Nevada, Alfredo Lopez of Indio, California, Hijino Lopez of Indio, California; three sisters, Maria Esther (Manuel) Esparza of Surprise, Arizona, Bernarve (Chick) Schumaker of Lee's Summit, Missouri, Artemisa (Fred) Kincaid of Bolivar, Missouri; half brother, John Lopez of Canoga Park, California; half sister, Fabina Neito of Indio, California; 18 grandchildren, Madie (Dane) Plymell, Bailey (Atticus) Dyer, Mason Rhodes, Spencer Rhodes, Beau Ryun, Savannah Portell, Logan (Megan) Portell, Terren Portell, Braxtyn Portell, Allison (Alex) Chavers, Caitlin Portell, Kaylynn Crowder, Gage Portell, Carter Portell, Erica Wolf, Brittany Evans, Lauren (Mark) Forest, Austin Evans; 11 great grandchildren, Marley Plymell, Triniti Portell, Reana Hoges, Tray Portell, Kayson Otero, Alexis Chavers, Kadince Wolf, Elexus Wolf, Camrie Wolf, Serynity Gray, and Layton Forest. A Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, January 11, 2013 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1501 Lipper St. Higginsville with the Pastor Marcus Jauss officiating and Marilyn Boeschen as organist. Interment will be in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville. The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 P.M. on Friday prior to the service.The Family suggests Memorials to the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Casketbearers are Logan Portell, Beau Ryun, Mason Rhodes, Spencer Rhodes, Atticus Dyer, and Dane Plymell. Honorary pallbearers are Austin Evans, Braxtyn Portell, Gage Portell, Carter Portell, Trey Portell, and Kadince Wolf. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hoeferfuneralhome.com

Tomasa "Tomie" Kelso

August 8, 1943 - January 6, 2013