Margie “Mafalda” (Braxdale) Cannon, 78, of Blue Springs, Missouri, formerly of Odessa, MO, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.
A Celebration of Mafalda’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO 64076 (816-633-5524). Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands or Friends of the Friendless, organizations that reflect Margie’s caring heart. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook page.
Mafalda was born on September 9, 1947, in Odessa, Missouri, to Cecil and Margie (Nordsieck) Braxdale. She was a proud graduate of Odessa High School and carried her hometown close to her heart throughout her life. Mafalda was united in marriage to Larry Dean Barker in Odessa, and together they welcomed two daughters. Though their marriage later ended, Mafalda and Larry remained friends.
For more than fifty years, Mafalda dedicated herself to her work in the clerical field, most notably with Dunbrooke Manufacturing, where she was known for her reliability, kindness, and strong work ethic. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found comfort and community through church and Sunday school.
Above all else, Mafalda cherished her family and friendships. She delighted in time spent with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she treasured simple pleasures-getting together for lunch with friends, sharing conversations, reading a good book, and traveling whenever she could. Mafalda had a gentle spirit, a warm smile, and a way of making people feel welcome and valued.
Mafalda is lovingly survived by her daughters, Caley (Aaron) Hodson and Casie (Richard) Garrison, both of Wellington, MO; her grandchildren, Taylor (Brandon) Alumbaugh of Odessa, MO, Drake Garrison, Miles Hodson, Mason Hodson, and Mia Hodson, all of Wellington, MO; her great-grandchildren, Whitley, Maverick, and Easton Alumbaugh; her sister, Lori Haney of Bates City, MO; her brother, Gilbert Braxdale of Blue Springs, MO; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
In addition to her parents, Mafalda was preceded in death by her sister, Cindy Wright, and her brother, Dick Braxdale.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
