Jewell Leann Cole, 75, affectionately called Leann, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in the presence of her three sons, her parents, and loved ones.
Leann was born June 18, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Melvin and Wilma (Wood) Walbridge. Leann graduated from Carthage High School in 1967, commemorating the final class to hold their graduation ceremony within the high school. It was moved the next year to the football field where it’s been held ever since.
Leann married Mike Klinge after graduation and gave birth to their first son, Shawn, in 1968. They welcomed their second son, Shad, in 1972. Leann was a homemaker at this time, and they made many trips to Grand Lake for boating and many other fun adventures. Their travel also included jet boat racing to Oklahoma.
Leann married Byron Keepper on April 5, 1980, and had her last son, James, on April 22, 1982. Leann and Byron successfully owned and operated Keepper Office Supply and Print Shop from 1989 until 1999. While they started the business in a small basement shop, they moved after 4 years, tripling the space and adding a tuxedo rental to the business.
Leann spent her last 28 years with Robert “Chuck” Cole; the last 18 of them as his wife. They were married in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and made many trips to the Ozark area where the men would go golfing, and the women would go shopping. He preceded her in death November 24, 2020.
Leann was locally famous for her delicious homemade cooking and her skills were in high demand for many years. She owned a Tea Room for several years then shared her talents with The Kendrick House and the Sassy Spoon. Leann was tasked with providing the hors d’oeuvres reception for Midwest Gathering of the Artists for several years, something she was very proud to be a part of. During this time frame she also worked with the Chamber of Commerce.
She took over as head chef at the Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre in 2012 and spent the remainder of her cooking career planning menus, ordering food and cooking for the tens of thousands of people who would come to Carthage for dinner and a show. She was bestowed the honor of having a Lifetime Membership in 2020. Leann loved the theatre with a passion and cherished her time there. The love and admiration she had for the actors, staff, and volunteers was evident to everyone who knew her as she spoke of them regularly.
Leann is survived by her parents, Mel and Wilma Walbridge; brother, Larry (Angela) Walbridge; son, Shawn (Donna) Klinge, son, Shad Klinge, son, James (Misti) Keepper, step-daughter, Lisa (Kip) Stiles, grandchildren, Linsey, Brianna, Sydney (Ethan), Salim, Charlee, Brenden (McKynze), Jazzy, Kaylee, Rilee, Tess, Claire, and six great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great nephews.
A memorial visitation for Leann will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Ulmer Funeral Home, 1208 S. Garrison Avenue, Carthage, Missouri, with a private interment to follow.
Condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.
Contributions may be made to Stone’s Throw Dinner Theater in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
