Marita Kay Mendenhall

Marita Kay Mendenhall was born on September 1, 1960, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the daughter of Dolphie Mendenhall and Marcia (Liebler) Craft. She grew up in Salem and graduated in 1978 from Salem High School. Marita was blessed with one daughter, Jonita, of whom she was immensely proud. After many years of being a dedicated mother to her daughter, Marita decided to continue her education, receiving her bachelor’s degree in science and education. She graduated in 1995 and started her teaching career. Marita was a devoted educator. She taught Social Studies at the Trenton and St. James School District before moving to special education at North Wood R-4 Middle School where she retired from. She was inspiring and caring, always thinking outside the box to reach her students, and drive them towards success. Marita enjoyed doing arts and crafts, creating beautiful items, and giving them as gifts. She had a green thumb, loved to garden and tend to her plants. She had a passion for history. She loved reading and studying Native American History, their cultures, and ways of life. She enjoyed researching Dent County as well. Marita always enjoyed helping others and for the last couple of years drove a SMTS bus. She loved spending time at the river and going camping. She lived a life centered on love and connection, where her family and friends were her greatest treasures. Marita passed away January 15, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of sixty-five years. Those left behind to cherish her memory include her loving daughter: Jonita Drury and husband Justin of Salem, MO; mother: Marcia Craft and husband Bobby Gene of Salem, MO; father: Dolphie J. Mendenhall of Salem, MO; partner: Bob McConnell of Salem, MO; brother: Michael Mendenhall and Jeanette Lowrance of Corpus Christie, TX; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death was her sister: Rebecca Craft Delaney. Marita was beautiful inside and out. Her legacy will live on through the foundation she built in her life, one rooted in love, faith, and resilience. She will be forever missed by those who loved her most. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Marita Mendenhall to Russell House and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Leave the family a condolence on his tribute page at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Marita Kay Mendenhall

September 1, 1960 - January 15, 2026