Buelah M. Coffelt

Buelah “Tootie” Mae (Kinder) Coffelt, 81, of Sedalia passed away Monday, October 31, 2016 at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center, Sedalia, MO after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born on February 11, 1935 in Hughesville, MO, the daughter of Charles and Buelah (Byrd) Kinder, who preceded her in death.

On April 1, 1951 in Hughesville MO, she was united in marriage to Billy E. Coffelt, who preceded her in death on December 31, 2008.

“Tootie” had a long list of accomplishments, hobbies and loves. She was a long time member and President of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Sedalia. She was active in Pettis County Democratic politics, including running for Pettis County Recorder of Deeds. She often volunteered on many Democratic campaigns. Tootie also worked full time and retired from Montgomery Ward in February 1986 when the store closed in Sedalia. She had a love of antiques and a strong retail and decorating background, so she put that to good use as an entrepreneur. Tootie opened the first antique mall and tea room in Sedalia, the Maple Leaf Antique Mall on Main Street. She then went on to open a second antique mall and tea room, The Cowbell Antique Mall and Udder Stuff, also on Main Street. For many years you would find Tootie in August running one, sometimes two concession stands at the Missouri State Fair. Although, she was a busy working mother, she always made time for her other loves; her family, holidays (especially Christmas), flowers, decorating, antiquing and Dr. Pepper!

She is survived by a son and four daughters, Kenneth Coffelt and his wife Gerry of Sedalia, Janice Lewis and her husband Jim of Sedalia, Peggy Kuhlman and husband Gary of Sedalia, Sarah Brown and her husband Rick of Grandview, and Christy Stretz and her husband Chad of Columbia; ten grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband she was also preceded in death by seven siblings.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

To show your love and support, the family would encourage contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association in her name or in care of Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia. This is a heart-wrenching and debilitating disease. We need to find a cure.