Dena Ellen Shoop

“ I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; No shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; He surrounds and defends all who fear him.” (Psalm 34: 4-7)

On December 6, 2022 Dena Ellen Shoop fearlessly took her place with the Lord. Dena was born to Noel and Velda (Maude) Russell on October 29, 1954 in Trenton, Mo. Dena lived most of her life in Green City, Mo graduating Valedictorian from Green City High School in 1973.

On June 30, 1973 she married the love of her life, Rodney Eugene Shoop and he survives of the home. To this union three children were born, Jared Eugene (Stephanie) Shoop of Kirksville, Mo, Marcus Dean (Kara) Shoop of Helena, Mo; and Ethan Jon (Kari) Shoop of Greenwood, Mo. Dena loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She was blessed with 10 grandchildren, Michael Shoop, Anthony Shoop, Maddox Shoop, Jaxon Shoop, Ava Shoop, Trayton Shoop, Sadie Spray, Jaylee Green, David Shirley and Robert Shirley; 6 great grandchildren Haelyn Barron, Oaklyn Barron, Hunter Smith, Ruby Spray, Kaia Green and Vitani Green.

Dena was loyal, hardworking and dedicated to any job she endeavored. She was employed with the state of Missouri as a caseworker for 38 years, retiring in 2016. She was a devoted Christian and was a member of the Yellow Creek Baptist Church for over 50 years and the fellowship leader for over 40 years. She held many jobs in the church including bible school director, sunday school teacher, and was an Awanas and kids club leader.

She was an avid reader and could be found with her kindle or a book in her hand at all times. She was a wonderful baker and blessed her family as well as her church family with her baked goods. She was most known for her famous brownies. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting. Her children, grandchildren and members of the community were often recipients of her generosity. One of things Dena loved was buying and sending birthday cards to her family and friends.

Dena is survived by her husband, Rodney, her three sons and three daughters-in-law as well as her 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Her two brothers, Randall Russell and wife Jennifer of Milan and Kendall Russell of Unionville; two brother in laws, Mark Shoop and wife Judy of Cave Springs, Arkansas and Troy Shoop and wife Tina of Hallsville, Missouri, one sister in law Pam Crooks and her husband Darrell of Novinger, Missouri, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Noel and Velda Russell and her father and mother- in- law, Harold and Cathleen Shoop.

Funeral services for Dena will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Ruschmeier Funeral Home in Green City. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, East of Green City. A visitation is scheduled for one hour prior to the service, starting at 10:00 AM, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Yellow Creek Baptist Church.