Wilma L. Mantle

Wilma Lee (Billie) Mantle, 70, of Linn, died Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Westphalia Retirement Center after a lengthy illness.

She was born on September 16, 1937 in White Cloud, Kansas, the daughter of William J. and Mildred Benson Waggoner, both deceased.

On February 26, 1955 she married Buel Rhey (B.A.) Mantle, who preceded her in death on June 8, 1990.

Along with her husband, they owned and operated Mantle Mining Company from 1965 until the time of her death.

She was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church of Linn, the Order of the Eastern Star, Missouri Fox Trotters Association and was a graduate of Fatima High School in Westphalia.

Survivors include: one daughter, Karen Mantle of Jefferson City; two sons, Sam Mantle (Peggy) of Linn, and Andy Mantle of Rogersville. Grandchildren include Justin (Judd) Dudenhoeffer (Krista Bonnot), Alex Hoelscher, Cody Mantle, Beau Mantle, Clay Mantle, and Ryan Mantle and one great-granddaughter, Dallas Dudenhoeffer. She was anxiously awaiting the birth of a second great-grandchild in September. Survivors also include two sisters, Wanda J. Bunch and Carol A. Branson, both of Linn, one half-brother, Harlin Flippin of Independence, one half-sister, Betty Treat of North Little Rock, Arkansas and a special friend, Jerrilynn S. Voss of Linn.

Two brothers, William J. (Butch) Waggoner and Willard G. (Corky) Waggoner preceded her in death, as well as a sister, Arlene Raithel.

Graveside services will he held on Monday, June 16, 2008 at 12:00 noon in Verdot Cemetery, Bonnots Mill with Ralph F. Voss of Linn officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to The Special Learning Center, 1115 Fairgrounds Road, Jefferson City, MO 65109.