Audrey M. Portwood, 85

Audrey M. Portwood, 85, of Sedalia passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at Bothwell Regional Health Center, Sedalia. She was born on December 16, 1928 in Sedalia, a daughter of John and Mary (Ellis) Swope.

She was baptized on September 15, 1946 at Mt. Herman Baptist Church, Sedalia. In 1950 in Sedalia she was united in marriage to Ralph Barr who preceded her in death in 1967. On November 25, 1960 in Miami, OK, she was united in marriage to Robert Portwood who preceded her in death on April 3, 1987. Audrey loved being a military wife for more than 20 years. She loved country music and enjoyed fishing, dancing, and sewing. She dearly loved the Christmas holiday. Audrey was a member of Mt. Herman Baptist Church, Sedalia. She is survived by six children, Mary Barr (Stewart) of Sedalia, Patricia Duncan (Ronald) of Mount Pleasant, TX, James Portwood of Omaha, TX, Kathryn Herrick (Timothy) of Sedalia, Barbara Portwood-Smith (William) of Leeton, MO, Audrey Gary of Sedalia; Two sisters, Linda Shoemaker of Hughesville, MO, Mary Henderson (Elvin) of Taylorsville, MS; Two brothers, John Swope (Dorothy) of Hughesville, MO, James Swope of Hughesville, MO; 24 grandchildren; and 34 great grandchildren. Besides her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by one son, William Barr; two sisters, Wilma Jewel Swope and Patty Jo Swope. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, April 4, 2014 at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia with Pastor Ed Broyles officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral chapel one hour prior to service. Interment will be at Mt. Herman Cemetery, Sedalia. Honorary bearers will be John Barr, Joey McIlroy, David Dennis, Robert Portwood, Dustin McIlroy, Eric Stewart, Caleb Dennis, and Pete Dennis. Memorial contributions are suggested to Wounded Warriors Project. Online condolences at www.reafuneralservice.com