Umbra was born July 23, 1924 to Sammie and Ella Hammond Coolley of Centralia. She was the only daughter of four children to the couple. She grew up on a farm five miles Northeast of Centralia and was a graduate of Centralia High School in 1942. She was married in June of 1943 to Herbert A. Duffy. They resided on Herbert's family farm outside of Hatton where they raised two sons Ronald A. Duffy and Donald A. Duffy. The couple farmed and raised livestock until Herbert's death in 1994.
Umbra was an avid volunteer and actively involved in several community events. She could often be found working in concessions at the Hatton Craft Fair, checking in 4-H exhibits at the Callaway County Fair, collecting donations for several local charities and foundations, and helping to staff her local Voter Poll Station in Stephens Missouri. She and husband, Herbert were recognized in 1990 by the Kingdom of Callaway Chamber of Commerce with the J.H Atkinson Award for outstanding community service. Umbra was a volunteer at the University of Missouri Extension in Callaway County for over 70 years. She was recognized in 2011 for 65 years of service with the University of Missouri Extension. In 2017 the Kingdom of Callaway County Historical Society congratulated Umbra for 70 years of service with the Callaway County Extension. Umbra was named to the MU Extension Leaders Honor Roll in both 1961 and 2002. In 2009 She was among 18 women in the United States recognized for her service with the National Association of Family and Community Education. The Missouri 4-H Foundation annually recognizes individuals that have created exceptional legacies of service and dedication to 4-H and in 2017 Umbra and the late Herbert, were inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame. Umbra had over 30 years as a 4-H leader and enjoyed helping young people learn about service and skills. She had a passion for the theater and arts. She liked to frequent Hazel Kinder’s Lighthouse Theater not only to take in the sounds of the county music, but to help do everything from taking tickets, working concessions, or just filling in where needed. Umbra loved to sew and was an avid gardener. She enjoyed traveling and was a study of different cultures. Umbra enjoyed cooking and experimenting in the kitchen with recipes. Her greatest love, however, was spending time with her grandchildren.
Umbra is survived by two sons, Ron (Betty) Duffy of Nixa, Missouri and Don (Linda) Duffy of Columbia, Missouri; four grandchildren, Rance (Mistina) Duffy of Nixa, Amanda Duffy of New York, New York, Deanne (Danny) Stubblefield of Columbia and David (Janet) Duffy of Auxvasse, Missouri; nine great-grandchildren Alexander, Garrett, Dex, and Truman Duffy of Nixa, Missouri, Kristopher (Kayla) Stubblefield of Hallsville, Mo, Teagen and A.J. Stubblefield of Columbia, Jada and Khloe Duffy of Auxvasse, Mo; two great-great-granddaughters Charlotte Stubblefield and Nova-Leigh Atterberry, two nieces, Lynn(Gary) Chandler and Carlene Coolley both of Columbia, and 2 nephews Lloyd and Kenny Coolley.
She was also preceded in death by her parents Sammie and Ella Coolley, three brothers, Clair Coolley, Verle Coolley and Truman Coolley, and husband Herbert Duffy.
Memorial services, officiated by Pastor Bruce Williamson, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at Debo Funeral Home in Fulton, Missouri. The family will receive guests from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to University of Missouri Extension in Callaway County or Centralia High School Alumni Association both in care of Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court Street, Fulton, Missouri 65251.
