Lolita Eliza Magness, Springfield MO 98 passed away April 22, 2021.  She was born March 8, 1923 in Kansas City, Kansas.  The daughter of Dale and Opal (Beaty) Wood.

Lolita graduated from Wyandotte High School, Kansas City, Kansas.

On December 26, 1943 she was united in marriage to Raphael (Ray) Magness.  They shared a wonderful, loving marriage of 48 years until his death on November 24, 1991.  To this union a daughter was born.

A lifelong Christian, she had been an active member of Sunset Hills Christian Church, Kansas City, until 1982 when they moved to Kimberling City, MO after Ray's retirement.  Lolita and her husband were founding members of the First Christian Church of Kimberling City.  She was organist there for several years.  She moved to Nixa, MO in 2004.

Lolita loved life, her family, and friends bringing laughter to all with her wit and humor.

She loved working in her flower garden, caring for them for hours and they were enjoyed by her neighbors and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Raphael (Ray) Magness, brother, Donald Wood, and daughter Kathleen Phillips.

She is survived by a grandson Michael Phillips of Branson, MO; granddaughter Holly Jarrett and husband Anthony, great granddaughters Hannah Jarrett, Sydney Jarrett, and great grandson Isaiah Jarrett of Hampstead, N.C., sister-in-law Geraldine Wood of Kansas City, Kansas, five special nieces, Sandra Maxim, Karen Nelson, Elaine Clement, Barbara Baird, Diane Wood, and a nephew David Wood, and a host of friends and her beloved dog Toby.

By Holly Jarrett (granddaughter):

Lolita was a wonderful Mother, Grandma, Great-Grandma, and Friend. For the many who knew her she had a sense of humor that would always make us smile and laugh. She was a confidant. We could go to her with anything and she would give us the greatest advice. She would pray for us daily if we told her what our prayer request was. She was truly the light of our lives. Such a joy she brought to many lives around her. She loved everyone just like Christ loved us all. We all had such sweet special memories with her through her life; and what sweet memories they were. She got to see the ocean for the very 1st time at the sweet age of 88, and go to a Nascar race with us. She got to hold all of her great grandchildren whom she adored so much with love. We release her to the Lord and say Well done good and faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to seeing you again one day in Heaven. Fly high my sweet beautiful grandma. We Love you and we know you will always be looking down on us from Heaven.

Graveside services will be Monday, May 3, 2021 at Highland Park Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home Kimberling City, MO.  Pastor Jerry Jenkins and Pastor Bob Elder will officiate.  Local visitation will be Sunday, May 2, 2021 at Stumpff Funeral Chapel Kimberling City, MO, 2:00-4:00 p.m.