Elora Marie Moentmann, 91, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at North Care Hospice House in North Kansas City, MO.
Elora was born on March 8, 1935, at the home of her parents, Marie (Wittrock) and Edward Brandt, in Cole Camp, MO. She was baptized on March 24, 1935, and later confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Stover, MO. She was married to John Moentmann on May 31, 1959, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Norborne, MO.
Elora is survived by her loving husband of 67 years. Also surviving include four children, Thomas Moentmann (Angel), Ruth Marchese (Jack), Nancy Muller (Rob), and David Moentmann; 10 grandchildren: Sarah Lavelock, Brett Benefiel, Brandon Benefiel, Emma Marchese, Christy Marchese, Abby Brocato, Olivia Muller, Lillian Muller, Eva Moentmann, and Corey Moentmann; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Eugene Brandt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Ruth (at birth) and Evelyn Brandt, brothers, Reinhart (Irene) Brandt and Marvin Brandt, nephew, Marty Brandt, and great-nephew, Jacob Snyder.
Elora was raised on a farm between Cole Camp and Stover, MO. There, she attended Lutheran School in Stover, MO, where German was her prevalent early language. Her parents had a pump organ and later a piano in their home, which initiated an interest in music that would last a lifetime. She was involved in volleyball, music and drama, earning accolades among her peers in school.
Elora attended Concordia University, Seward, NE, attaining a teaching certificate. After teaching in Corder, MO, she taught at Trinity Lutheran School in Norborne, MO. While renting a room from Nora Lueders on 3rd street and working in Norborne, she met John. Together, they established a family of four children and she became a homemaker. After retirement, Elora and John enjoyed spending part of their time in Arizona, where they were further blessed with friends, family and activity, including golf, which she continued to play through last summer, at age 90.
Elora participated in many church and community organizations and activities. Among these included LWML, Vesper Guild, Trinity Chorale, Bible School, Weekday School, PTA, Garden Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Soybean Festival Committee, teaching piano lessons, playing the organ for services, serving as a soloist for weddings and funerals, volunteering at HELP services, and enjoying her coffee group at the fire barn. She was an active and faithful servant throughout her many years at Trinity Lutheran Church, and greatly valued her friends and family, as such.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Trinity Lutheran Church, or Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Norborne, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., with services to follow at 11:00 A.M. Reverend Tysen Bibb to officiate. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Norborne. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements. Please remember to share your memories of Elora by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
