Letha Merle Braswell, 94, was born on September 9, 1931, in Trenton, Missouri, the fourth child of Lora Delman Chrisman and Lola Maude (Hammond) Chrisman. She was united in marriage to her loving husband, Robert Lee (Bob) Braswell, and together they shared 70 happy years until his passing in 2019. Bob was her soulmate and the cornerstone upon which she built her family and her life.
Letha devoted over 30 years of service as a secretary for the Rock Island Railroad, retiring in 1993. Her strong work ethic was matched by the love and care she poured into her home and family.
Letha was an avid lover of playing the keyboard, cooking elaborate and wonderful meals for those she loved, sewing and quilting with remarkable skill, and celebrating holidays with unmatched beauty. Her home came alive each season, especially at Christmas, where she created picturesque scenes filled with cherished ornaments and decorations. Much like her husband Bob, Letha’s deepest passion was her family. Her greatest joy came from time spent with them, sharing her talents, traditions, and unconditional love.
Letha was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Bob Braswell; her brothers Alvin, Kenneth, and Wayne Chrisman; and her sister Ila Bilyeu.
Letha is survived by her daughter and best friend, Connie Sue Hammersmith (Chuck); her granddaughter Cynthia Lynn Wirtz (Tom); her great-granddaughters Eden K. Wirtz and Aniston B. Wirtz (Luke A. Bailey Jr.); her great-great-grandson Beau A. Bailey; and her son Steven L. Braswell (Kendall) and family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army in honor of Letha.
A visitation will be held on January 3, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Chapel Hill - Butler FH, located at 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, KS 66112. Funeral services will follow at the same location, beginning at 11:00 am.
Pallbearers for the service will be Charles Hammersmith, Cynthia Wirtz, Thomas Wirtz, Eden Wirtz, Aniston Wirtz, Luke Bailey, Jr., and Beau Bailey.
