Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home

Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home Ralph O. The History of Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home

The Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home has been part of Lafayette County for approximately 150 years. and Irene O.
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Jones Funeral Home is a full service family owned funeral home located in Odessa, Missouri serving our surrounding areas in Lafayette, Northern Johnson, and Eastern Jackson counties. First known as Chris Wagner & Sons, it began in the Mount Hope Community, located just south of Odessa, in the mid-1800’s. The family owned business offered a variety of services including milling cabinets, furniture and undertaking. In 1878, the railroad came to Odessa and offered new possibilities for Lafayette County. Later that year, Chris Wagner brought his business, which he still operated with his sons, to Odessa. The small company operated in a building near the new railroad tracks, located at the corner of Mail Street and 2nd. Ben Blincoe and his sons, Clifton and Horace, bought the business from the Wagner family in 1902 and founded Blincoe & Sons. They continued all facets of the company, undertaking, cabinet making and furniture at 101 South Main Street. Shortly there-after, downtown Odessa suffered a large fire and the one-story building burned. However, the Blincoe family re-built, replacing the small building with a large, modern two-story building which became known simply as the “Blincoe Building” to Odessans. Tragedy struck the Blincoe family in 1953 and 1954 when Ben, Horace and Clifton all passed away within months. Jones bought the furniture store and undertaking business from Mrs. Myrtle Blincoe in 1954 and continued operating out of the “Blincoe Building.” On January 2, 1958 they moved the undertaking business and their six small children to the current location of 306 South Second Street. The home already had a rich history, built in 1906 by County Commissioner Judge Tom Gann for his private residence. In 1988, Ralph O. Jones passed away and Mrs. Irene O. Jones sold the business to their son, Larry P. and his wife, Carole. They raised their two small children while remodeling the funeral home in three stages and expanding the parking lots. Stephen Fuller purchased the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home from Larry P. and Carole J. Jones in August, 2009. Austin Ledford is the Managing Funeral Director and oversees the day to day operations of the funeral home. Austin, his wife Christy and their two children moved to Odessa in October of 2010. Christy is the Managing Pharmacist at the Grain Valley Red Cross Pharmacy. Larry “Harpo” Jones is still an active part-time assistant with the funeral home, assisting with visitations and funerals. Robert Simmons is also a funeral assistant with the funeral home, Robert assist with the funerals, visitations, and many other duties around the funeral home when he is available. The Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home is not just a building. It’s a continuation of a Lafayette County tradition that began approximately 150 years ago. Family owned, family operated and community-centered. We don’t just work here, we live here. This is where our history was and where our future will be.

04/06/2026

Ronald Joseph Fehrenbach, 83, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026 at his home with his wife in Sibley, MO. He was bo...
04/04/2026

Ronald Joseph Fehrenbach, 83, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026 at his home with his wife in Sibley, MO. He was born on February 20, 1943 in Kansas City, Kansas to Joseph and Eileen (Reed) Fehrenbach.

Visitation will be held from 10:00a.m. to 11:00am on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Ebenezer United Church of Christ, 206 W. Old Lexington Rd, Levasy, MO 64066 with Funeral Service following at 11:00am at the church. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Ebenezer Cemetery. Memories of Ron and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 South Second Street, Odessa, Missouri 64076, 816-633-5524.

Ron grew up active on the family farm, Fehrenbach Dairy, and delivered milk as he got older and drove one of the milk trucks on his delivery route.

Ron attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Grade School grades 1st through 4th, Stoney Point Grade School grades 5th through 8th and then Washington High School, graduating in the class of 1961, all in the Kansas City, Kansas area.

Ronald joined the Army National Guard and served for 3 years where he worked as a helicopter mechanic. After that he started his professional life at Deluxe Check Printers where he worked for thirty some years, holding several titles over his time there, his favorite was usually working with customers. In the earlier years he really enjoyed working at Deluxe saying it was like a family. He made many friends there, some very special friends lasting the rest of his life, or their life, as the case may be. His kind and welcoming nature and good sense of humor made his time at Deluxe seem effortless. After retirement he was on a Calling Committee, calling other retirees and letting them know of dates and places of upcoming monthly gatherings and also when someone had passed away and funeral arrangements, and other news they wanted to share. After the internet became more available the on-line News Letter took the place of the calling committee, but Ron still liked checking in on some of his Calling Committee friends from time to time.

Ron’s home life came alive with his interest in reading the Bible and other related books and doing yard work. He really enjoyed having a nice looking lawn and it meant a lot to him, but many times it was a challenge due to weather or weeds etc. these things brought him joy as long as his health allowed. One of his proudest moments was marrying the love of his life, Brenda, with whom he shared a deep and enduring bond. Together they crafted a life rich with companionship and mutual respect. He is also remembered fondly by his brother, Orlie Fehrenbach, two people connected by more than blood – a shared history and lifelong friendship.

To many, Ronald was a faithful soul who found comfort and inspiration watching TV church services, especially after COVID. Listening to inspirational music was a daily comfort to him especially in recent few years. His spiritual convictions were a central pillar of his life and the source of his warm and welcoming disposition.

Ronald was preceded in death by his beloved parents Joseph and Eileen (Reed) Fehrenbach.

He is survived by his loving wife Brenda (Telgemeier) Fehrenbach of the home Sibley, Missouri. His brother Orlie and Barb Fehrenbach of Basehor, Kansas. His brother-in-law and sister-in-law Leon and Barb Telgemeier of Sibley, Missouri. His brother-in-law Norman Telgemeier of Odessa, Missouri and many others, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

Easter is a time for celebration, but children who have lost a loved one may struggle during this time. If your child is...
04/03/2026

Easter is a time for celebration, but children who have lost a loved one may struggle during this time. If your child is grieving, this article offers guidance on supporting them during the Easter season.

If your child has lost a loved one, this article provides guidance for supporting your grieving child during the Easter season.

Good Friday reminds us of the ultimate act of a loving Father who would send His only Son to die that we might live.
04/03/2026

Good Friday reminds us of the ultimate act of a loving Father who would send His only Son to die that we might live.

Alice Joyce (Redinger) Jacobs, 90, of Odessa, Missouri passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Odessa Health Care in Od...
03/29/2026

Alice Joyce (Redinger) Jacobs, 90, of Odessa, Missouri passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Odessa Health Care in Odessa, Missouri.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Napoleon Zion Methodist Church 385 W Church Street. Napoleon, Missouri 64074. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be at Buckner Hill Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Croix Hospice. Memories of Alice and condolences for her family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.

Alice was born on August 29, 1935, in Napoleon, Missouri to George Lee and Alma (Roemmich) Redinger. In 1953, she graduated from Buckner High School.
On April 24, 1954, Alice was united in marriage to Ray Jacobs in Napoleon, Missouri. He preceded her in death on September 17, 1991. Alice was the devoted owner and operator of Alice’s Beauty Land, a local business that touched the lives of many in the community. Deeply rooted in her faith, Alice was a member of Napoleon Zion Methodist Church. Her greatest pride and accomplishment were her family. She leaves behind cherished memories for her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Alice had a zest for life that was evident in her many interests, which included spending time outdoors, fishing at the family lake house, dancing with friends, crocheting beautiful creations, and cooking delicious meals that brought everyone together. Her spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Alice is survived by two children, Joyce (Steve) Block of Wellington, MO, and Linda (Calvin) Struewe of Oak Grove, MO; four grandchildren, Amy (Scott) Osborn, Brandon Block, Matt (Rishae) Struewe, and Dana (Nathan) Lewis; seven great-grandchildren, Alex Osborn, Molly Osborn, Braytton Block, Cheyanne Struewe, Baylee Struewe, Emsley Lewis, and Wilden Lewis; and many relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Alice was preceded in death by a brother, Lester (Barbara) Redinger.

Have you heard of funeral honorariums? If you haven't, check out this brief article that answers key questions about hon...
03/27/2026

Have you heard of funeral honorariums? If you haven't, check out this brief article that answers key questions about honorariums, including what they are and who receives them. And if you have more questions, just give us a call, and we'll provide the answers you need.

Did you know that an honorarium is customary when you perform specific roles at a funeral? Check out this article to learn more!

When we lose someone we love, formally acknowledging that loss can be difficult. But did you know that attending a funer...
03/26/2026

When we lose someone we love, formally acknowledging that loss can be difficult. But did you know that attending a funeral ceremony can lessen the burden of grief?

Funeral ceremonies are a unique opportunity to honor the life of a loved one. It is a way for friends and family to express their grief in a meaningful way, to convey empathy, and to establish a system of mutual support as they transition from life with their loved one to life without them.

To learn more about how a personalized funeral ceremony can lessen the burden of grief, give us a call at 816.633.5524.

Joyce Eilene Kite, 82, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away on March 23, 2026, at Centerpoint Hospital. Joyce was born on Ma...
03/25/2026

Joyce Eilene Kite, 82, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away on March 23, 2026, at Centerpoint Hospital. Joyce was born on March 17, 1944, in Independence, Missouri, to William and Mary (Coen) Semler.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 pm., March 30, 2026, at the Greenton Baptist Church, 9345 Greenton Road, Odessa, Missouri, 64076. A Funeral Service will follow at 2pm., Greenton Baptist Church, 9345 Greenton Road, Odessa, Mo. Interment will follow at Greenton Cemetery in Odessa, Missouri. In Lieu of flowers, Memorials to Greenton Baptist church or Greenton Cemetery Association. Memories of Joyce and condolences for her family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 South Second Street, Odessa, Missouri 64076, 816-633-5524.

Joyce lived a life rich with kindness, devotion, and purpose, leaving behind a legacy that touched all who were fortunate enough to know her. Joyce met the love of her life Gary, and they were married at Greenton Baptist church on April 26, 1959. Gary and Joyce worked together as farmers for many years. After completing her education at Cosmetology School, she fulfilled her dreams by owning and operating Joyce’s Beauty Nook. Her salon was more than a place for beauty treatments—it was a welcoming haven where Joyce’s warm spirit and genuine care transformed customers into lifelong friends. Known as everyone’s caretaker, she extended her kindness beyond her career and into every facet of her life.

Joyce was cherished for her good cooking, her love for gardening and canning, and her unwavering acceptance of all people. Her home was shared with beloved cats, creatures she adored dearly, reflecting her gentle and loving nature. Above all else, Joyce took immense pride in her family, which she regarded as her greatest accomplishment and the center of her universe.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents William and Mary (Coen) Semler; her grandson Derek Williams, and her brothers Bob and Bill Semler. Joyce is survived by her husband, Gary Kite; her children; Jeff and Bev Kite (oldest son), Gayle and Warren Sims (daughter), Justin “Jud” Kite (youngest son), two grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and sister Gwen and Mike Waterworth. Joyce will be remembered by many other extended family and friends.

Happy Birthday Carolyn! Hope you have a great day!
03/24/2026

Happy Birthday Carolyn! Hope you have a great day!

Marjorie Louise (Clevenger) Wilson, 91, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Odessa...
03/21/2026

Marjorie Louise (Clevenger) Wilson, 91, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Odessa Healthcare, surrounded by the love of her family—just as she had always surrounded others with hers.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO 64076. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Greenton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Daughters of the American Revolution, Gilead Rupe Chapter. Memories of Marjorie and condolences for her family may be shared at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the funeral home’s page.
Marjorie was born October 13, 1934, in Green Ridge, Missouri, the daughter of Paul and Mildred (Helphrey) Clevenger. She graduated from Windsor High School in 1952. On May 27, 1954, she was united in marriage to Jimmy Dale Wilson in Windsor. Together they shared over fifty years of love, partnership, and devotion until his passing on March 16, 2006.
Marjorie devoted over 40 years to the Bank of Odessa, where she became more than an employee—she was a familiar smile, a steady presence, and a friend to so many. Even after “retiring,” she found her way back more than once, a testament to her strong work ethic and the relationships she cherished.
Her life was one of service and care for others. Marjorie was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Odessa and an active member of the D.A.R. Gilead Rupe Chapter. She gave generously of her time as a Girl Scout leader, helping guide and encourage young girls, and later as a volunteer at St. Luke’s East Hospital, where for 13 years she offered kindness and comfort to those in need.
Marjorie had a true sense of adventure and a love for seeing the world. Her travels took her to places like China, Prague, Austria, and on many cherished trips to Alaska. No matter where she went, she carried with her a warm spirit and genuine curiosity that made every journey meaningful.
Above all, Marjorie was devoted to her family. She treasured every moment spent with them, whether at gatherings, holidays, or in the simple, everyday moments. She will be especially remembered for her famous peanut brittle—made with love and eagerly anticipated by those lucky enough to receive it.
She is survived by her children, Delores (Gary) Jordan and Dale (Jennifer) Wilson, both of Odessa; her four grandchildren, Melissa Jordan, Brian (Emily) Wilson, Geoffrey (Kelsey) Wilson, and Jalah Jordan; eight great-grandchildren, Brandon, Jacob, Ean, Zoe, Mia, Isla, Laycee, and Easton; her sisters, Betty Maxwell and Arlene Clevenger; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Marjorie was preceded in death by her brothers, Ernest Clevenger and Dwayne Clevenger.
Marjorie will be remembered for her kind heart, her steady presence, and the way she made others feel welcomed and cared for. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love that will continue to live on in her family and all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Address

306 S 2nd Street
Odessa, MO
64076

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18166335524

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