Reta Elizabeth Coonce Thurman King

Reta Elizabeth Coonce Thurman King, age 77 of Papinville, MO, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family. Reta was born July 18, 1947 in Papinville, Mo. to Lewis (Bud) and Esther Hatton Coonce. Reta loved the Lord and gave her life to Him at a young age. She was raised in the Methodist Church in Papinville, where she remained a member until the doors closed. At the time of her passing, she was a devoted member of the HillTop Assembly of God Church at Happy Hill. She worked at Walmart for many years and used her job as a way of witnessing to others. It was proven at how loved she was by how many people chose to seek her out, just to stand and wait their turn to go through her line. She retired in September 2022. Reta was a hard worker. As a single mom of two young children from a previous marriage, she worked at Rick's Drive in and also at the pecan plant in Rich Hill. She married Junior Dean King on July 14, 1979 at the Rich Hill Christian Church. To this union, one child was born. Reta was preceded in death by her parents in 1991 and husband, Junior King in 1999. Reta is survived by her three children; Randy Thurman (Jennifer) of Archie, MO, Donna Thurman Arnold (Jeff) of Papinville,MO and Paula King Ponzini (Mike) of Nevada, MO., 7 Grandchildren; Rachel Perkey (Austin), Katelyn Weisensee (Michael), Hannah Claudell (Alex), Sierra Ponzini, Jena Ponzini, Mark Arnold, and Ian Ponzini, and 3 great-grandchildren, along with 1 on-the-way; Kade, Aaron, and Olivia Weisensee and Ireland Perkey. A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 10 am., at HillTop Assembly of God Church. Services are under the direction of Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, MO