Neala Vanbaale

Neala VanBaale, 66, of Cave Springs, AR, formerly of Sedalia, MO, died Saturday, March 11, 2023, at her home surrounded by family.

Neala was born in Sedalia, MO, on March 13, 1956, the daughter of Russell (Neal) and Elsie Janney. She graduated from Smith-Cotton High School and attended State Fair Community College, where she obtained a certificate in office administration.

On June 25, 1977, she was united in marriage to Dennis VanBaale. Neala spent most of her life in Sedalia, where she worked at Third National Bank for ten years, was a teacher’s aide at Skyline Elementary School, and owned a cleaning business. She was also a 25-year member of First United Methodist Church Sedalia, MO, where she volunteered her time in various capacities. She considered the care of her family and home to be her most important work in this life. In 2015, she and Dennis moved to Arkansas to be closer to family.

Neala enjoyed cooking for friends and family, who would gather around her dining table to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner every year. In addition, she loved to play golf and travel the country with her husband. Most recently, you could find them in Texas visiting their son or at a softball complex watching their niece play.

Neala is survived by her husband of the home; one son, Adam VanBaale of New Braunfels, TX; her mother, Elsie Janney of Rogers, AR; a brother, Eric (Stephanie) Janney of Rogers, AR; a sister-in-law, Diane (Dennis) Connor of La Monte, MO; one niece, Kadence Janney of Rogers, AR; one nephew, Koleston Janney of Rogers, AR, and many extended family members and friends.

Neala was preceded in death by her father, Neal Janney, and her paternal and maternal grandparents.

Services will be held at Rea Funeral Chapel in Sedalia, MO, on Saturday, March 18, 2023, with a visitation beginning at 9 am and a service and burial to follow at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sedalia Animal Shelter in Neala’s name.

Arrangements are in the care of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home of Rogers, AR, and Rea Funeral Chapel Sedalia, MO.