Lela Popp

Lela Popp, 89, formerly of Jackson, passed away Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Dec. 11, 1916, in Pocahontas, Mo., daughter of Paul T. and Beulah B. Childs Kranawetter. Lela was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Pocahontas and was a 1934 graduate of Jackson High School.

She and Raymond W. Popp were married Nov. 13, 1938, in Pocahontas. The couple resided in Jackson, where Raymond co-owned the former Palace CafŽ with Herbert Rauh. In 1947, Raymond and Lela established Popp's Grocery Store on West Main Street in Jackson, which they owned and operated 36 years. Lela also worked in various offices in the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse.

She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, a charter member of the Concordia Guild, long-time choir member, LWML member and was active in community and civic affairs.

Loving survivors include a daughter, Rebecca (Jim) Montgomery of Austin, Texas; two granddaughters, Rachel (Josh) Jefferson of Eugene, Ore., and Claire Montgomery of St. Louis; a great-grandson, Aiden Jefferson; a sister, Lou (Lloyd) Douglas of Florissant, Mo.; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Ray Popp Jr., in August 1995; and three sisters, Esther Mueller, Vera Springer and Hilda Collins.

Friends may call from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert Henrichs officiating.

Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Paul Church, St. Paul Radio Broadcast or Lutheran Home Hospice.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.