Grace "Elaine" Oertle

Grace “Elaine” (Hills) Oertle, 88, of Jasper MO, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, at Joplin Gardens Nursing Home in Joplin, MO. Elaine was born June 14, 1937, to Wiley and Grace (Parscale) Hills. She graduated from Deepwater High School in 1955. Elaine was united in marriage to her late husband, Jerry Oertle, on April 21, 1958. They were married for 66 years before his passing. They shared many memories over the years, had many great friends, and created a loving family. Elaine doted over her children and grandchildren, but nothing quite compared to her love for her great-grandchildren. Elaine is survived by two children, Paula (Terry) Redman of Jasper, MO, and Bob (the late Melissa) Oertle of Lamar, MO. Four grandchildren, Lonni Boman of Jasper, MO, Jarin (April) Redman of Pittsburg, KS, Justin Oertle of Columbus, KS, and Lynsi Oertle of Lamar, MO. Three great-grandchildren, Heston (Chala) Boman and Hayes Boman, both of Jasper, MO, and Laine Redman of Pittsburg, KS. Elaine is also survived by one sister-in-law, Wanda (Joe) Porter of Pittsburg, KS, along with many nieces and nephews and their families. Elaine was preceded in death by many family members who were, no doubt, anxiously awaiting her arrival at the Pearly Gates. We can only envision her walking through the gates singing ‘I’ll Fly Away’ or ‘Amazing Grace’ as she loved old hymns. Her daughter-in-law, Melissa and husband Jerry, were likely the first in line, hand-in-hand, welcoming her with open arms. Elaine was the youngest of eight children, who all passed before her: Fred Hills, Ransom Hills, Goldie Wood, Mabel Hooper, Annabelle Foster, Tom Hills, Margaret Hart, and her stillborn twin, June Hills. In the 70s you could find Elaine in the stands cheering (we are certain she was probably the loudest) for the Jasper Eagles football team or spending her weekends at Grand Lake with her family. In the 80s and 90s you could find her every Sunday cooking family dinner. Like most grandmas, no one else’s food compared. In the early 2000s, her first great grandbaby was born and she spent the rest of her days adoring and loving her “babies”. Family was her pride and joy and she would brag on them every chance she got. Elaine drove a school bus for Jasper Schools when her kids were young, worked at the local convenience store when they were in high school and eventually found her way to O’Sullivan Industries where she worked in housekeeping and loved being able to keep up with all the latest local gossip. Elaine will be missed by many. The family has chosen to honor her wishes of no funeral/service, however, there will be a Celebration of Life Luncheon on November 15th at 1pm at Palluccas Event Hall located at 207 East McKay Street, Frontenac, KS 66763.

Grace "Elaine" Oertle

June 14, 1937 - October 26, 2025