Almeda June Orr Obituary

"Butterflies are like angels' kisses sent from heaven" – Malia Kirk

Never has there been a more beautiful butterfly than Almeda June Orr. She was the epitome of perfection and elegance, and she – a little more quickly than we would have liked – moved home to heaven on April 30th, 2025. Whip-smart and ruthless at the card table, Almeda had humble beginnings on a farm in western Oklahoma on December 12, 1929. Underneath those dusty, blue skies she grew into an ambitious young woman with a love of all things food, entertaining, and Jesus.

After achieving Valedictorian status at Stafford High School, she made a brief appearance at Draughton's Business College before talking her mother into letting her attend Oklahoma State University. There she majored in Home Economics and finding the love of her life, Richard, whom she shared 72 beautiful years with.

This 'Girl with the thousand smiles', as Oklahoma State deemed her, filled her life with song, travel, and being the most gracious host. There was always a Wacky Cake or plate of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake at the ready for any hungry guests that rolled in.

She and Richard built a prosperous veterinary practice in Aurora, MO where they had three beautiful children and many friends. Idle hands were never found in her as she was very involved serving and singing in their local Methodist church. She also made THOUSANDS of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for hungry Aurora school children in need of lunches every weekend.

As they entered retirement, she traveled with her loving husband to almost every corner of the globe and made sure to stop by Haiti a few times to build houses for God's children. In between travels, she became a master at wintertime entertaining from a motorhome they drove so far south into Texas that the air was filled with mariachi music and the sighs of tourists who forgot their sunscreen. On family cruises, when the group would wake up grumbly and groggy, she was already a ball of energy encouraging us to join an existing table of soon-to-be best friends. While we followed, at times begrudgingly, it set an example for us of the importance of connection and kindness (and how important it is that you look presentable before heading to breakfast).

Almeda was proceeded in death by her mother, Gertrude, her father, Martin, and three older sisters: Elma, Erla, and Esther. She is survived by her husband, Richard, and three children: Connie (husband: Nick), Richard (wife: Tamra), and Ginger (husband: Chris). Almeda also leaves behind six grandchildren: Andrea (husband: John), Rick (wife: Robin), Taylor (wife: Brie), Collin, Devin, and Ashlyn, four great-grandchildren (Elijah, Anastasia, Jordan, and Lucjan), and many, many nieces and nephews across the country.

Almeda cared more for others than herself, and her beautiful handwriting graced many a greeting card, just to say 'thinking of you'. She had a love of the beach, and she and Richard spent the last of her earthly years near Panama City Beach in a cozy home with an amazing backyard.

What we can learn from Almeda:

·         Love God, love people…always

·         Stand up straight; posture is important

·         A great table setting is essential to any celebration

·         If you are playing cards with someone like her, be sure to play ON their team, not against them, and never show them your cards

·         The most important thing you can wear is a SMILE

It seems she lived too big of a life to capture in a simple writing, but one thing is certain: like a butterfly, Almeda brought the most precious beauty and grace to the world…each and every place she landed.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers please pass along a SMILE today and every day from the "Girl with a Thousand Smiles."