Leota (Nolte) Rumans

Leota (Nolte) Rumans, 88, passed away Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at her College View Manor residence in Joplin, MO. Leota was born Nov. 30, 1935 in a farmhouse about 8 miles south of Centralia, MO, to Julius Heinrich Georg Nolte and Electra (Edwards) Nolte. She graduated from Centralia High School in 1953 and then moved to Columbia, MO, to work for State Farm Insurance. In the fall of 1956, she met the love of her life, Wayne Williams Rumans, and they were married Aug. 10, 1957. They were inseparable for 66 years until his recent passing.

Leota was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She stayed at home to raise her two sons, Scott and Todd, until they began school. As her husband’s job changed, she continued to help support the family wherever they lived, employed as a receptionist, bookkeeper, or office clerk.  She retired from Crane Plumbing in Nevada after working there for 26 years. She attended Missouri Southern State College and was just one art class short of an associate’s degree. While in Missouri, she gave her love and support to her two granddaughters, Allison and Amy.

She later moved with her husband to Arkansas to love and support her grandson, Zach, and her youngest granddaughter, Lainey. Her great-grandchildren were also her joy and they were blessed with her love. Leota was a faithful Christian, worshipping with the Church of Christ. She loved studying the Bible and generously supplied many Bibles to those without. Her heart was pure and kind, wanting to help whenever she could.

She was athletic and enjoyed playing softball and tennis. Her tennis matches against Wayne were classic and at times probably tested their love. Her competitive spirit showed, playing a mean game of Canasta and Skip-Bo as well. She and Wayne enjoyed traveling, seeing all 50 states (yes, driving on the edge counts), but she especially enjoyed the many trips to the lake to spend the day in the boat while Wayne fished.    

Leota was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Marvin Nolte, her sister, Evelyn Robertson, and her husband.

She is survived by two sons; Scott William Rumans (Carion) of Milo, MO, and Dr. Todd Rumans (Laura) of Batesville, AR; four grandchildren; Allison Hibbitts (Jared), Amy Rumans, Zach Rumans (Layla), and Lainey Webb (Corley); twelve great-grandchildren; Jenna, Jacob, Dani, Alex, Hailey, Dillinger, Charlie, Greyson, Farrah, Wilder, Smiley, and Clementine, as well as beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Pallbearers were her grandchildren.

Services were at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18,  at Nevada Church of Christ, Nevada, with the minister Dick Harris officiating. Visitation was from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service.

Burial was at Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon, MO, immediately following the service.

Memorials may be made to Fairhaven Children’s Home, 3132 N Fairhaven Loop, Strafford, MO 65757 or Paragould Children’s Home, 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, AR 72450.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.