Dempsey, Della Mae February 22, 1915 - March 21, 2013

Della was born February 22, 1915 in Cross Timbers, MO, in Hickory County. Her parents were Joe and Rosa (Ray) DeFreece. They moved to Las Animas, CO for Rosa’s health. While they were there, Joe became ill with typhoid fever and died in June 1918. Rosa died there in September 1918. Della’s sister Pearl was 20 years older than her so she was raised with Pearl’s family of four. She had a brother Roy who was 12 years her senior. She attended school in Cross Timbers and Kansas City. Della was married to Henry Dempsey in 1936 and to this union three children were born, Shirley, Kenneth and Norman Dempsey. She was always a hard worker. Della grew beautiful roses and always enjoyed raising a large garden and little chickens. She and Henry retired from Clearfield Cheese Co. in Clinton MO. Della accepted Christ as her personal Savior at the First Baptist Church in Osceola many years ago. Della babysat with Randy Sheldon and his sisters, and was affectionately known as “Grandma Della” by all of the “grands”. She helped cook for the trail rides and the Saddle Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, her parents, sister and brother, son, Kenneth, a son in-law Earl Lowe, son in-law Bob Neuenschwander, twin grandchildren Mark and Julie Lowe, many other relatives and friends. Della is survived by her daughter, Shirley Neuenschwander and son Norman Dempsey, seven grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, several step great grandchildren and three great-great granddaughters.