Ella “Bernita” Shamel, daughter of Arthur and Leslie “Lourean” (Wood) Schneider, was born on August 11, 1932 on the family farm established by her grandfather and grandmother Schneider located in Laclede County, Missouri. Bernita continued to live on the family farm until her death on January 7, 2025, at the age of 92 years.
On February 11, 1951, Bernita was united in marriage with her lifetime love, Richard Dean Shamel. Together they celebrated sixty years of wonderful memories, prior to Richard’s passing, while raising their four children. Bernita and Richard continued operating the farm which included raising a variety of animals including milking cows and cultivating crops especially harvesting hay. For many years they tended a family garden which influenced Bernita’s love and appreciation of great food.
Bernita began working professionally outside of the home in 1971 at Commerce Bank. She transitioned to Laclede County Mutual Insurance Company after the death of her aunt, Ella Schneider Hough, who served as the office manager. The insurance company was co-founded by Bernita’s grandfather Schneider and she felt a sense of pride to continue the work of her family’s heritage. After working 32 years with the company, Bernita retired at the age of 73. She continued serving on the Board of Directors for several years following her retirement.
During her work career, Bernita received multiple awards and recognitions for her contributions to the insurance industry. Early in her professional career, she became a member of the Lebanon Chapter of American Business Women’s Association, receiving the woman of the year award in 1983. She served as state chairman of the Missouri Association of Mutual Insurance Companies in 1998 and received the manager of the year award from the National Association of Insurance Companies in 2002.
Bernita attended Antioch Baptist Church from birth to her mid 80’s. While attending youth Baptist camp at age nine with her twin sister Berneice, Bernita accepted the Lord as her Savior at age 9 while her brother, Johnny, served as the camp pastor. Bernita served the Lord faithfully through her church involvement. She sang in the choir, attended Sunday School, participated in Women’s Missionary Union, and served various administrative roles. Church was a priority to Bernita, striving to attend Sunday School and worship every Sunday. Most recently, she attended First Baptist Church and Hillcrest Baptist Church in Lebanon enjoying Bible study and fellowship with other members.
Outside of church, Bernita was a member of several community clubs throughout her life including Seeders of Lebanon Garden Club. She extended her hospitality hosting family gatherings for 4th of July celebrations, Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays and any holiday the family could gather on the farm. Her generous hospitality included her preparing delicious meals with desserts being the highlight!
In addition to her husband, Richard, Bernita was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Lourean Schneider, her brothers John Schneider and Conrad Schneider (infancy), and her sister Melba Esther.
Bernita is survived by: her twin sister, Berneice Hamilton; four children: Karen Griffin (Mike), John Shamel (Linda), Ronald Shamel, and Nancy Oudin (Marc); grandchildren: Jeff Kile (Ashley), Brock Shamel (Daryl), Edouard Oudin (Kayla) and Caroline Pollard (David); great-grandchildren: Jocelyn and Cullen Kile, Ellie and Brooks Shamel and Madeline Pollard; and four close nieces.
Memorials have been suggested to Hillcrest Baptist Church Building Fund or Competition Cemetery, and may be left at or sent to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948, 1001 Lynn Street, Lebanon, MO 65536.
Funeral services for Ella “Bernita’’ Shamel will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel in Lebanon. Private burial will be in Competition Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral chapel.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
