Letha Marie Mowry

Letha Marie Mowry, a beloved member of the Graham and Maryville communities, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on March 2, 1930 in Graham, Missouri, Letha was the oldest child of the late Lee Edison and Ruth Mary (Decker) Shull. She married Robert Eugene Mowry on June 16, 1948; he died October 28, 1985.

Letha graduated from Horace Mann High School, where she laid the foundation for a life dedicated to learning and community service. She served as the Deputy Recorder of Deeds for Nodaway County in Maryville, Missouri, for 12 years, where her meticulous nature and dedication to public service were evident to all who knew her.

A passionate genealogist for more than 50 years, Letha Marie amassed a comprehensive library of genealogy materials, including a database containing over half a million entries. Her expertise made her a go-to person for genealogy in Nodaway County and beyond. Letha Marie's love for connecting with people was unparalleled; she said that the nicest people came through her front door when they sought genealogical help through her library. Her keen interest in local history led her to diligently preserve newspaper obituaries for the five-county area, ensuring that the stories of those who passed were preserved.

Letha Marie was also a voracious reader and enjoyed crafting (especially counted cross-stitch) and word puzzles, pursuits that reflected her sharp mind and attention to detail, as well as collecting snowmen. She had been a dedicated member of DAR, Rebekahs, Graham Community Betterment, and Nodaway County Genealogy Society as well as other community organizations. 

Letha is survived by her loving children, Elizabeth (Steve) Mowry-Harbstreit of Kearney, MO and Henry (Velda) Mowry of Castaic, CA. She also leaves behind her brother, James Leroy (Connie) Shull of Savannah, MO, and her cherished grandchildren: Christopher (Allison) Mowry, Michael (Brianna) Mowry, Lauren (Eric) Kendera, Kay (James) Leeper, and Matthew (Sherrene) Harbstreit. Her legacy continues through great-grandchildren Payton and Camdyn Mowry, Sloane and Cade Kendera, Dalton Leeper, and Charlie Harbstreit.

Letha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her sister, Mary Nelle (Shull) Adkins, and her parents.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at a visitation on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Bram Funeral Home in Maryville, MO. A celebration of Letha Marie's life will follow at 11:00 am at the same location. Arrangements are provided by Bram Funeral Home.

Letha Marie Mowry will be remembered for her warmth, her dedication to preserving history, and her ability to connect with others. Her contributions to her community and her family will be cherished for generations to come. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Nodaway County Senior Center to assist in continuing the services from which Letha Marie benefited for many years.