Pearl Hattie Wood, age 98, formerly of Lamar, died Thursday, February 04, 2010, at Willow Lane Nursing Center, Butler, MO.

     Pearl Welsh was the first born child of Lester & Hattie Colyer Welsh.  She entered this world on January 13, 1912 to a seventeen year old father and a fifteen year old mother.  Pearl was the start of a family of nine children.  A brother, Marion became ill and died at age 17.  Pearl’s other brothers are William, Gene, George, and Glenn.  She had three sisters, Waneta, May and Dorothy. 

     Pearl had her share of chores on the family farm and was quite independent.  She decided to become a “Nanny” in today’s language.  As an adult, Pearl moved from this area and for a time lived in Oklahoma City, where she taught young students to play the accordion.  The students, accompanied by Pearl, traveled to competitions and earned numerous medals and ribbons.  Pearl often spoke of her life as a sales person for the L.B. Price. Company, selling door to door.  Pearl and her husband Wayne Wood moved to Lamar in the early 70’s and she devotedly cared for her mother until her passing.

     Pearl was a correspondent for the Lamar Democrat for many years, writing “Visiting With Pearl”.  She was active in the Calla Rebekah Lodge #160, where she had been a Noble Grand and Rebekah of the year. She was past president of Yowell-Frow VFW Post #3691 Auxiliary.    Pearl was a member of L.E. A. 99 and the Springfield L.A.P. 23.

     Survivors include her youngest brother, Glenn Welsh, of Butler, MO, who made sure her candy jar was full and that if she needed anything he was there; several nieces and nephews; Dean, Carolyn, Mary Lou, Charlotte, Phyllis, David, Claudine, Lavona, Glenda; and her sister-in-law Rosemary who corresponded often and visited her in the nursing home

      Funeral services for Pearl will be 2:00 pm Saturday, February 6, 2010, at Daniel Funeral Home with Rebekah Rites provided by the Calla Rebekah Lodge #160. Burial will be in Brasher Cemetery; Jericho Springs, MO. Visitation will be from 1:00 until 2:00 at Daniel Funeral Home.