March 28, 2024

Oneita Routh

Diagonal

Oneita Routh, 99, of Richmond, Missouri, formerly of Diagonal, died Thursday, June 13, 2019, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s at Shirkey Nursing and Rehab Center in Richmond, Missouri. Oneita is the mother-in-law of Jon Foley.

Celebration of life graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, at Diagonal Cemetery. Pastor Jim Werner will officiate the service. Powers Funeral Home, 601 New York Ave., in Creston is assisting with services. Memorials are suggested to Diagonal Cemetery Association. Online condolences can be made at www.powersfh.com.

Oneita Routh was born Feb. 19, 1920, to Bill and Electa Harter in Diagonal. She graduated from Diagonal Community High School in 1937.

On Feb. 22, 1938, Oneita married Lee Routh at the First Christian Church parsonage in Creston. Oneita and Lee began farming with Lee’s brother, Marvin, north of Diagonal for two years. Then Oneita and Lee settled on their present farm east of Diagonal where they farmed for 66 years until Lee passed away.

Oneita was very active in the Diagonal Christian Church serving as organist, and later, in the First Christian Church in Creston, involved with the woman’s circle. Oneita was also involved with Iowa Cowbells organization, serving on the district level representing Union County Cowbells. Oneita worked in and managed the café at the Diagonal Sale Barn for several years when her and Lee were first married.

Oneita and Lee had two children, Arden and Lenita. She was very involved in their school activities and community events. Oneita spent the last few years of her life with her daughter, Lenita, until Lenita was diagnosed with cancer at which time she entered Shirkey Nursing Center.

Oneita and Lee loved to travel with family, visiting many of the western states and Canada.

Oneita is survived by her son Arden Routh of Lee Summit, Missouri; grandson Alex Routh of California; son-in-law Jon Foley of Creston and many nieces and cousins.

Oneita was preceded in death by her husband Lee in 2006; daughter Lenita in 2018; parents, Bill and Electa Harter; and parents-in-law, Frank L. and Carrie A. Routh.