Lora Lee was born December 9, 1917, to Edmund Lewis and Lora Lelia (Thompson) Nance. She attended Shady Nook School in the Coon Creek area, and then attended Osceola High School, graduating in 1935. After attending Central Missouri State Teachers College, she accepted a teaching position at Wright’s Creek School in the community of Tally Bend.
While teaching at Wright’s Creek, she met Clark Foster. They were married July 4, 1937, and they farmed in Tally Bend until 1956, when they purchased the Osceola Locker Plant. After Clark’s death in 1970, Lora Lee worked at Rival Manufacturing Co. She then served two terms as St. Clair County Clerk until her retirement.
Clark and Lora Lee had two children, Erma Lee (Frank) Warner, Lowry City, MO, and Vernon Clark (Namar) Foster, Loveland, OH, both of whom survive. Survivors also include grandchildren Kathy Gilmore, Edgerton, MO; Rhonda Wilhite, Independence, MO; Jeff Warner, Kansas City, MO; Shantel Newberry, New Castle, CO; Kristin Carnahan, Maineville, OH; and Camela Foster, Grove City, OH; nine great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. Lora Lee’s brother, Vernon Nance, Kansas City, MO, also survives.
Lora Lee was a member of the First Baptist Church of Osceola for over 55 years. She was also involved in many organizations throughout her life. In particular, she was a member of the Order of Eastern Star for over sixty years. She served in all local offices and served a term as District Deputy Grand Matron. Other organizations include Business and Professional Women, Rebekah Lodge, Senior Center, American Cancer Society, Quilt Guild, and Dirt Dobbers.
Interment will be at the Nance Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
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