Winona Joyce (Ahart) Connell

Winona Joyce (Ahart) Connell, 83, of Eldon, Missouri passed away Friday, April 17, 2026 at Heisinger Bluff Living Community in Jefferson City, Missouri.  She was born July 19, 1942 in St. Elizabeth, Missouri the daughter of the late William Nelson and Ida Maude (Barnhart) Ahart.  She graduated from Eldon High School.

Many may remember her working at Reed’s Department store in Eldon before her marriage to James Leroy Connell on July 27, 1968.  He survives of the home.  After her marriage was employed with Citizen’s Bank for many years.  Joyce was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Eldon.  Her children remember her as a devoted wife, wonderful cook, seamstress and devoted homemaker.

Her surviving children include Kent Connell of St. Louis, MO, Jason Connell of Galesburg, IL, Chris Connell (Judy) of Eldon, MO, Dana Connell of Lake Ozark, MO and Lisa Hamner of Fort Mill, SC, “Granny” to her grandchildren including Emma Connell, Zadie Connell, Heather Huddleston (Dave), Heath Connell, Shannon Connell, Jordan Mahan, Erin Benton (Mitch), Julie Kirby (Quenton) and Joe Hamner; great-grandchildren, David Huddleston, Laura Patterson (Benton), Madison Connell, Brady Connell (Destiny), Troy Connell, Reagan Connell, Owen Mahan, Liam Mahan, Presley Mahn, Jude Mayorga, Mateo Mayorga, Caiden Castle and Harper Kirby; great-great-grandchildren, Carson Patterson and Kendall Patterson, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Edith Wilma (Ahart) Albertson, James J. Ahart, Lloyd Warren Ahart Pendleton, William Ray “Bill” Ahart, Joseph Nelson Ahart, Naomi (Ahart) Darnell, Betty (Ahart) Johnson and Rayma Ahart.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, Missouri with a Graveside Service at 11:30 AM at Enloe Cemetery in Russellville, MO with Chris Connell officiating.

Memorials in her name are suggested to Enloe Cemetery of Russellville, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.  

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