Florence Weilbrenner, 101, of rural Bloomfield, Iowa died November 5, 2010 at the Scotland County Care Center in Memphis, Missouri. She was born October 28, 1909 in Scotland County, Missouri to William and Bessie Mathes Becraft.

She attended the Downing High School and Kirksville College where she earned a teaching certificate. She taught in a rural Missouri School for one year.

She married Elmer Weilbrenner February 3, 1929 in Bloomfield. They were married for 73 years when he passed away on December 18, 2002.

Florence was a life-long member of the Barker United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years. She was also a member of the Barker United Methodist Women and was the church pianist for 50 years. Florence was a charter member of the Stiles C&C Club and enjoyed gardening, flowers, and helping Elmer with woodworking. She traveled to Texas for the winter season for many years and loved spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by a daughter, Louise Rupe of Bloomfield; a son, LaVern (Verna) Weilbrenner also of Bloomfield; five grandchildren, Douglas (Brenda) Rupe, Susan (Brad) Burns all of Bloomfield, Kellie Weilbrenner of Washington D.C., Karla (Terry) McCollum of Trenton, Missouri, Kimberly (Dave) Johnson of Bristow, Virginia; eight great-grandchildren, Kallie Mae and Chandler Burns, Jimmy and Kimberly Rupe all of Bloomfield, Chelsea and Karley McCollum both of Trenton, Missouri, Nathan and Melanie Johnson both of Bristow, Virginia; three sisters, Dorene Moore, Vetrice Goins, Marjorie Evans all of Memphis, Missouri; a brother, Russell Becraft of Tampa, Florida; two sister-in-laws, Helen Becraft of Memphis, Missouri, Madeline Becraft of Columbia, Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; five brothers, Lowell, Millard, Robert, Gene, and Don Becraft; an infant sister; and a son-in-law, Eugene Rupe.

Funeral services will be at 2pm on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at the Barker United Methodist Church in Scotland County, Missouri with Pastor Dee Wiley officiating. Burial will be in the Barker Cemetery next to the church. Visitation will begin after noon on Wednesday with the family present to greet friends from 1 pm until the time of the service at the church. Memorials have been established to the Barker United Methodist Church or to the Barker Cemetery. Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield is in charge of arrangements.

Memphis Democrat, November 11, 2010