Sadie Florence Wellborn, 97, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Friday (August 3, 2012) at the St. Clair Nursing Center in St. Clair, Missouri, with Hospice care and family by her side.

The daughter of Albert and Lula (Wright) Rockwell, Florence was born February 23, 1915 in rural Macon, County, Missouri. On July 22, 1933 Florence was united in marriage to Herman E. Wellborn who preceded her in death in 1976.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, five brothers, one grandchild and one great-grandchild.

Florence is survived by her three children; son, Reverend Dewayne Wellborn and wife LaVerne of Kirksville, MO, daughter, Elaine and husband, Dr. David Armbruster of Pearland, TX, and daughter, Becky Hiatt and husband, Edwin of St. Clair, MO; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Rockwell of Lee’s Summit, MO; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; thirteen great great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Florence lived most of her life in Adair County where she was a graduate from Kirksville High School with the Class of 1933. She was employed with Montgomery Wards, for Mamselles Fashions, last in the Adair County Recorders Office for Bob Love.

Strong in her faith, Florence was an active member of the First Christian Church of Kirksville and dedicated to serving in Christian Women’s Fellowship. Her community involvement continued with her holding multiple offices in the Rebekah Lodge in Kirksville and Macon.

She touched and influenced scores of young lives while volunteering as a camp cook for Girl Scouts Camp over the years. While residing in Macon, Missouri, Florence served her faith and community with her involvement in the Christian Church and a volunteer at Samaritan Memorial Hospital.

Florence was a devoted loving mother and grandmother, who cherished spending time with her family. She shared her love through camping, and outdoor activities like fishing, riding horses, swimming, playing basketball, long walks on the beach, snow skiing, playing volleyball or jumping on the trampoline with her grandchildren.

Florence had a special talent of drawing friends and family together where she could share her passion for cooking and baking, but more important to her was the time everyone spent together. There was always an extra seat at her table. Her hobbies included playing cards and games with family and friends, gathered around a table for hours at a time enjoyed the camaraderie. Her creative talent showed in her ceramics. She enjoyed frequent trips throughout the United States, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Canada to visit family or friends.

Later in life, she and her husband, Walter Harre enjoyed spending time with many family as Winter Texans at Chimney Park in Mission, Texas for twelve years.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday (August 6, 2012) in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday (August 7, 2012) at Highland Park Cemetery in Kirksville, with her son, Reverend Dewayne Wellborn presiding.

Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons, Dewayne Wellborn Jr., Dwight Wellborn, Charles Watson, Todd Armbruster, Brian Armbruster, Eddie Hiatt, Denny Hiatt and Randy Hiatt.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Florence Wellborn may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association or to the American Cancer Society. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.