Lula McClaskey

88, life-long, die-hard Cardinal fan starred in women’s high school basketball, worked for Conoco Oil
Lula Belle McClaskey, age 88, of Lake Ozark, Missouri, departed this life on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at her residence in Lake Ozark.
Lula Belle was born November 15, 1921 in Welch, Oklahoma to Don A. Wilson, Jr. and Florence Carter Wilson. 
Lula Belle grew up in Welch, although her parents divorced when she was young. Her father and brother moved to California after the divorce. She starred in women’s high school basketball, and one resident of Welch remembered her exploits in 2001, when she visited the town some 60 years later.  She was also on the school debate team. Her debating skills served her well all her life.
In 1957, she joined the Conoco Oil Company in Ponca City, Oklahoma, where she worked until 1983. Upon her retirement, Ralph E. Bailey, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Conoco, presented Lula B with a personalized plaque of appreciation for her work. The retirement “notebook” that accompanied her plaque provides the true depth of her achievements at Conoco.
Lula Belle was a person of true grit. She faced many personal challenges during her lifetime that many people would found too difficult to overcome. Despite these challenges, she excelled with usual fortitude based on love of family, love of friends, and love of life.
With the passing of her only child, Roland Vincent Hunter, Jr. on August 18, 1990, Lula Belle still found the strength to endure her loss, and bring a true sense of happiness and joy to all those who knew and loved her.
A life-long, die-hard Cardinal fan who knew all the players and their positions, Lula Belle was truly looking forward to the start of the new season.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Hedges-Scott Funeral Home, Osage Beach, Missouri.  The family will receive friends for visitation from 10:30-11:00 a.m. prior to services at the funeral home.
Interment will be at the Conway Cemetery, Osage Beach, Missouri.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.hedgesscottfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been placed under the care of Hedges-Scott Funeral Home, Osage Beach, Missouri.