Retta Neely Obituary
With profound sadness, we say goodbye to Retta Neely of Joplin, Missouri, whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of many. Retta left this world on August 17, 2025 at the age of 90, leaving a void in the lives of so many people. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.
As we bid Retta farewell, let us not mourn the absence of her physical form, but rather celebrate the essence of her spirit that lingers in the spaces between moments. For Retta is not truly gone, but merely transformed, her energy intertwined with the fabric of the universe itself, forever dancing among the stars.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Lloyd Smith and Ruth Smith (Ristau); her husband Robert Neely; and her great grandchild Ethan Hartwell. She is survived by: her children, Deanne Hartwell (Dale) of Marshfield, Yleen Hartwell (David) of Elkland, Missouri, Dennis Neely (Diane) of Joplin and David Neely (Denise) of Joplin; and her sister Shirley York of Asbury, Missouri. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and numerous extended family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Prairie Flower Bible Church in care of the mortuary.
