Born 7/28/1933 ~ Died 3/11/2022
Eathel was born in Galt, Mo. She began her education journey in Galt and finished in Trenton, Mo. In Galt she was on the first girls’ basketball team and was crowned the Queen of the Galt Fair in 1949.
Eathel married Dewayne Persell of Spickard, Mo., in 1953. They moved to Kansas City in 1954 and had three children. Dewayne passed away in 1999.
Eathel enjoyed family, life, nature, and learning. She received her Masters Degree in Education from UMKC and taught 3rd and 4th grade at Chinn Elementary in Parkville, Mo., until her retirement. Eathel was a founding member of the Meadowbrook United Methodist Church. She was an avid gardener, ballroom and square dancer. She was always willing to give a helping hand to those who needed it and drove for Meals on Wheels until 2020.
She leaves behind her daughter, Jackie (Jim) Trimble of Lake Stevens, Wash.; son, Steve Persell of Laredo, Mo.; sister, Donna (Roy Jr.) Ferguson of Trenton; sister-in-law, Bonnie McNabb of Trenton; her dear friend and companion, Virgel Adams of Kansas City; eight grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by granddaughter, Rachel Persell.
A celebration of life will be held on June 25, 2022 with visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. and service following from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Good Shepherd, Gladstone Campus, 2800 NE 64th St., Gladstone, MO 64118.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
So sorry to see this about Eathel passing. We received a long letter from her last year. She knew I was taking care of dad’s birds, feeding them. I sent her a couple of old pics. I found in mom and dad’s book of her and Dwayne at their first apartment at 4116 McGee. And the motorcycle!!! I was little, 4 or 5 and thought it was crazy good to see that beautiful motorcycle- I loved to touch it and I got caught and got my behind swatted! I will let my brothers, Marty, Dave & Don know. Our hearts are with you.
Linda Allison-Daub
She was one of the best teachers I had. I was so honored to be one of her students.
Bob Batterson
Mrs. Persell was my 4th grade teacher at Chinn Elementary and she was wonderful! She always pushed you to do your best, she was meticulous in her teaching, and touched the lives of so many students. Her motto, that I still say today, ‘Good, better, best, never let it rest, until the good is better and the better is best.’ Such a wonderful women! My condolences to the family.
Jaci Mullins
My condolences to you. What a spitfire Eathel was! A wonderful teacher who engaged her students and encouraged them. She will be missed by many including those of us who taught with her at Chinn Elementary!
Tina Buckler
Eathel, may your Spirit fly swiftly to the highest light of Heaven then return as love and sweet memories to heal and strengthen the hearts and lives of those who feel the pain of losing all the good that you have given to this world. Let us make a covenant with one another to keep our lights shining, just as we liked to sing about in our early days of Sunday School, “This Little Light of Mine.”
Godspeed, Eathel, and we will all see you There, someday, as well.
Dr. Jim Singer
My sympathy to the family. Since her sister, (Thelma) Jean, passed away, I’ve had texting contact with Eathel. She was a sweet woman and so much like Jean. God’s peace and well wishes to the family.
Tammy (Jean’s niece)
Mrs. Pursell was my 4th grade teacher at Chinn Elementary. 32 years later and still grateful for her influence. She was truly special. Sending love and prayers to family and friends.
Stephanie Sullivan
