Elise Leanora Vail

          Elise Leanora Vail, 86, former longtime resident of Camdenton, MO, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2024, with loved ones at her side at Lawson Manor in Lawson, MO.  

          Elise was born March 5, 1938, in Gilliam, MO, the daughter of Howard H. and Gertrude M. (Payne) Lewis.  Along with her parents, Elise was preceded in death by her sister, Willina Rose Pattison; brother, Jim Bill Lewis; and husbands, James “Jay” Vail and William “Bill” Tattershall; and nephew, Steve Pattison.  

            Elise’s greatest desire in life was to be a wife and mother. She met and married Paul Vickers of Deepwater, Missouri on September 14, 1956 and together they raised their four children.

          Survivors include four children, Wrenda McKnight (Scott), Marshelle Vickers, Lanise Blankenship (Steve), and Shawn Vickers (Michelle); grandchildren, Fawn Boettler, Chantel McMain (Eric), Taylor McKnight (Sammy Jo), Sheyenne Dominguez (Dariel), Jacob Hood (Erika), and Isaac Hood (Elizabeth); 11 great grandchildren and two on the way.  She also leaves three nieces, two nephews, and their families.

          Faith was a prominent part of Elise’s life.  She gave her life to Jesus Christ on Christmas Eve, 1944, at the age of five.   Her father was a Baptist minister, so she grew up in the faith.  

          Elise was passionate about family and friends.  She loved serving the elderly and spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially the little babies.  The next best thing would be her fur babies over the years: Muffin, Precious, and Gretchen.  Elise liked to collect baby dolls.  She had a bedroom dedicated to her large collection and loved to share them with her granddaughters and anyone else who stopped by.  

          Elise was very creative and talented in music and art. In fact, as a young woman she served as music director at Little Blue Baptist Church in Independence, MO.   Even in her last year of life, she received great joy playing the organ and singing for her fellow residents at Oxford Grand Assisted Living in Kansas City.  She will be missed.    

          Visitation will begin at 1:30 pm, followed by a service celebrating Elise’s life at 2:00 pm, on Friday, April 26, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, 1640 North State Route 291, Liberty, MO 64068. Inurnment will be at 4:00 PM on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Allee Memorial Gardens, 400 Old South 5 Camdenton, MO 65020.  

          You may share a message or favorite memory with the family or sign an online guest book via www.parklawnfunerals.com. Funeral arrangements: Park Lawn Northland Chapel (816) 781-8228.