Erthel Jenkins

Erthel Keesee Jenkins, 99, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Feb. 5, 1911, in Leora, Mo., to John and Ella Phelps Lufcy.

She and Claude Keesee were married in 1928 in Jackson. Later she married George Jenkins.

Erthel worked for the American Red Cross and for International Shoe Co. She retired after working 30 years at Saint Francis Hospital, where she worked in pediatrics during the polio epidemic.

She was a lifelong member of First Assembly of God Church in Cape Girardeau and later attended Jackson Assembly of God before moving to Ratliff Care Center in 2000.

She was such a hard worker and a very giving person and a wonderful cook. She raised her own chickens and prepared many meals for her family. She loved making a garden, working in her yard and loved sewing and crocheting.

Survivors include son, Russell Keesee of Sharpes, Fla.; daughters, Claudine Lambert of Cape Girardeau, Carol Little-Metcalf and husband Bob of Cape Girardeau, Brenda Floyd and husband Jack of Jackson; nine grandchildren, Rick Keesee, John Turner, Gina Taul, Debbie Shain, Troy Little, Shelly Williams, Jack E. Floyd, David Floyd and Joy Floyd; 18 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husbands; a son, Standley Keesee; a sister, Hazel Lorberg; six brothers, Norman, Walter, Willie, Everett, Carl and Herman Lufcy.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bob Metcalf officiating.

Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Teen Challenge International Mid-America.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.