06/22/2026
Lona Dover Menefee, 78, of Center, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Center.
Visitation will be held from 6pm to 8pm, Monday, June 22, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2pm, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Lamar Rash and Bro. Rick Foehner officiating. Interment will follow at McClelland Cemetery in Shelbyville.
She was born in Center and raised in Shelbyville, where she lived most of her life on her family farm. She was a lifelong member of McClelland Church. Her life was marked by steadfast faith in God and a deep love for her family and church. Through suffering, she taught all who knew her how to trust God and find Him wholly true.
Lona was active most of her life, caring for children, chickens, and cattle until her health declined. She could not have continued raising chickens without the help of her children and her longtime hand, Necho Martinez, along with his wife, Esmeralda, and daughters, Odalis and Brisa. The family extends a very special and heartfelt thank you to them.
Lona did not take many vacations, but one place she always loved to visit was Crystal Beach, Texas. She treasured spending time there with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. One of her favorite pastimes was walking along the shore with the children searching for seashells.
She found great joy in supporting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by attending countless football games, basketball games, concerts, cheerleading events, and many other special occasions. Her presence in the stands was a constant expression of her love.
She is survived by:
Beloved children:
Son, Chad Meneffe and wife Tina;
Daughter, NaShae Menefee Tuomey and husband Ryan of Fort Worth, along with their children, Ryleigh and Rhett;
Daughter, Kris Menefee Rash and husband Lamar and their children, Daniel Rash and wife Bailee and their children, Stetson and Carter; Katie Rash Massey and husband Jack and their children, Lexie, Katelan, Kasen, and Karsen; and Alayna Rash Eaves and husband Brandon and their children, Trenton, Noah, Nate, Parker, Case, and Tate; and
Daughter, Kelly Menefee Foehner and husband Rick; and their children, Krystina Foehner Sims and husband Michael and their son, Grayson; Blaine Foehner Goodwin and husband TJ and their children, Judson, Jewel, and Dover; and Cade Foehner and wife Gabby and their children, Baylah, Boone, and Ivy.
Brother-in-law, Tommy McMahon of Center
Special aunt, Robbie Runnels Adkinson; and her daughters, Jan Corona and Gwen Parker, all of Dallas
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Jeanne Dover; sisters, Dee Walters and Frances “Boo” Dover McMahon; and grandparents, Louis Ainsley Runnels and Lyma Dover Runnels of McClelland.
Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the assurance that she is now in the presence of her Savior, whom she trusted faithfully throughout her life.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice and Kelsi Wilburn, RN, for their excellent care and compassion.
Special thanks also to Vicky Sneed and Sister Caregivers for their care and support. Jalaila Pina and Mona Bowlin became part of the family and blessed them with wonderful friendship and comfort for Mom.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to McClelland Cemetery Fund, PO Box 392, Shelbyville, Texas 75973.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com.
