Lena H. Webber

Lena H. Webber, 91, of Mexico, died Monday May 19, 2008, at Teal Lake Residential Care Center, where she had lived since April 2007.

Lena Mary Caroline Hilgedick was born April 21, 1917, near Hartsburg, a daughter of Benjamin J. and Louise B. Hilgedick. She was married on December 25, 1942, in Mexico, to J. Bryan Webber Jr. Mr. Webber died on April 19, 2007.

Mrs. Webber attended school in Boone County. She worked for Montgomery Ward and Co. in Jefferson City before transferring to the Montgomery Ward store in Mexico as credit manager in 1941. She worked there until after World War II. A longtime homemaker and mother, she worked during the 1970s at Sears, Roebuck and Co. in Mexico as freight manager.

Over the years, Mr. and Mrs. Webber were members and supporters of Arthur Hills Golf Course, and the Mexico High School Sports Boosters. Mrs. Webber served during the 1950s and 60s as an Audrain County election judge. She later was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary, the Mexico Country Club Women s Golf Association, and served as an Ambassador for the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce. She was a member for more than 50 years of the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico. Friends will remember Mrs. Webber as an avid bridge player, golfer and bowler for many years.

Survivors include three sons, Larry D. Webber and wife Laurann, Mexico, Bruce F. Webber and wife Jill, Stillwater, Okla., and John A. Webber and wife Patricia, Rochester, Ill.; six grandchildren, Ryan Webber and wife Jody, Stillwater, Okla., Jess Webber and wife Carrie, Oklahoma City, Okla., Justin Webber, Columbia, Brendan Webber, Mexico, Anna Webber and John Bryan Webber III, both of Rochester, Ill.; a great-grandson, Cale Webber, Stillwater, Okla.; two brothers, Fred Hilgedick, Hartsburg, and Chester Hilgedick and his wife Marian, Ashland, a brother-in-law, Jack E. Webber and wife Carol, Mexico; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Webber was preceded in death by two sisters, Cora Hilgedick and Roma White, and a brother, Leslie Hilgedick.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at Pickering Funeral Home with Rev. Randall A. Sawyer officiating. Visitation is Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be given to VFW Post 3772 for the fundraising project to place American flags along the drive at the Missouri Veterans Home. They should be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.