Wilda Lea Crabtree, age 89, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2020, at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe, Missouri.
Wilda was born the daughter of Darryl and Avness (Carter) Nighthart on November 2, 1930, in Pattonsburg, Missouri. She attended the Young School in Harrison County, Missouri, where she rode a horse to school. She was a 1948 graduate of South Harrison High School in Bethany, Missouri. She was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Jean Crabtree on June 27, 1948, in Bethany, Missouri. He preceded her in death on November 24, 1999. Wilda was a member of the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri. Her great grandfather was an immigrant from Germany.
Survivors include three sons, David Crabtree and wife Lisa of Chillicothe, Missouri, James Crabtree of Edgerton, Missouri, and Mark Crabtree and wife Staci of Chillicothe, Missouri; two daughters, Evelyn Rooks and husband Mike of Chillicothe, Missouri, and Angela Gatson and Rich Anderson of Chillicothe, Missouri; seventeen grandchildren, Brent Minnick, Jeff Minnick, Adam Rooks, Natalie Spencer, Allysha Duane, Brian Gatson, Matt Gatson, Michael Gatson, John Anderson, Emily Crabtree, Andrew Crabtree, Amanda Holley, Robert “Bobby” Crabtree, Blake Crabtree, Onya Harvey, Nicolas Harvey, and Jesse Harvey; several great grandchildren; and one brother, Darryl R. Nighthart, Jr. and wife Stacy of Pattonsburg, Missouri. She is also survived by niece, Cheryl (Nighthart) Jones of Bethany, Missouri, nephew, Darryl (Buddy) Nighthart, III, and fiancé Glenda of Pattonsburg, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Regina Wilfong of Ft. Myers, Florida, and Venita Connley of Marshalltown, Iowa; and several other nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Michelle Crabtree; one grandson, Austin Anderson; one infant brother, Lyle Dewayne; and one infant sister, Evelyn Elaine.
Funeral services will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, September 4, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, September 4, 2020, one hour prior to the service at 12 noon until 1:00 p.m. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, September 3, 2020, from 12 noon until 8:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Chillicothe, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.
The family would appreciate everyone wearing masks and practicing social distancing for the funeral service.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.