Carol J. DeClue, 87, of De Soto died Oct. 17, 2024, in Farmington. Mrs. DeClue owned DeClue Septic and Excavating with her husband for more than 60 years. She is remembered for her love for her family and her strong faith. She prayed for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren daily. Born Oct. 20, 1936, in Flat River, she was the daughter of the late Jeanette (Barton) and Ed Woodruff.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years: Thomas F. DeClue, whom she married Jan. 28, 1952.
She is survived by three children: Gary (the late Debbie) DeClue of Festus, Mark DeClue of De Soto and Robin (Steve) Short of Farmington; two siblings: John Woodruff of Potosi and Mary Drage of Nebraska; 10 grandchildren: Steven (Tracie) DeClue of De Soto, Diana (Brad) Martin of Hillsboro, Tonya (John) Spiker of De Soto, Shannon (Brandon) Greenwood of California, Jacqueline (Josh) DeRousse of De Soto, Katheryn (Jeremy) Moss of Festus, Myranda (Jake) Pruett of Fredericktown, Jacob (Kaylee Lucas) Marshall of Farmington, Martina (Seth) Wilbur DeClue of De Soto and Stevi (Dylan) James of Kansas City; 23 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous family members and friends.
She also was preceded in death by two sons: Thomas 'Tommy” Michael DeClue and Colby (Patricia survives) DeClue; and nine siblings: Thomas Woodruff, Billy Woodruff, James Eddie Woodruff, Paul Woodruff, Norvel “Sonny” Woodruff, Sophia Woodruff, Melba Riggs, Patsy Vandergriff and Janet Minx.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. today, Oct. 21, at First Free Will Baptist Church, 1401 S. Fifth St., in De Soto, officiated by Brother Bob Thebeau. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.