Florence E Waterman

Florence Elsa Waterman was born August 9th, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri was sent to her eternal home on October 26, 2025, Independence, Missouri. She was the beloved daughter of Charles and Florence Beal. Florence was proceeded by her parents Charles and Florence Beal, brother Jack, sister Sherry, brother Carl.

Russell and Florence’s love story began when Russell was a 14-year-old boy collecting trash to help support his widow Mother in Independence, Missouri on the same street that Florence lived on. Florence was 13 years old at the time they met. Florence said it was love at first sight. A few years later they married on May 5, 1957. Shortly after they moved to Spokane, Washington where Russell served in the Air Force for four years. They returned to Independence, MO where they shared 68 beautiful years together.

Florence had dedicated her early life to the fulfillment of wife and mother duties, In her early 50’s she graduated with her high school equivalence and received her drivers license shortly after.

She enjoyed many things in life, beautiful crochet work, knitting, and sewing cloths for each new grandchild, niece, or nephew. In her spare time she quilted, painted, and made stuffed animals for the Sunshine club at church. She was VBS teacher, Sunday school teacher, room mother, assisted with Zion League, and honorary member of Daughter’s of the American Revolution. She loved going to the Ozarks with her husband and often took grandchildren. She loved holding babies and could calm the fussiest baby with hugs and calm voice.

She dearly loved each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, but her favorite times were being alone with Russell.

Shortly after Florence passed a couple of Granddaughters ran into the house to their Grandmothers chair and turned to ask Grandpa “Where’s Nana at?”. As tears filled Grandpa’s eyes, he choked out the words she is with Jesus now.

To quote the poem by Chelsea Ohlemiller “In these moments of heartbreaking grief, we remember the only reason we have an empty space is because we were blessed with a mother that loved us so beautifully it occupied an entire part of our soul.”

She is survived by siblings Irene, Calvin, Cary, Rella, Virginia, and Barbara. Her four children Julie Marsh (passed 2022 Donald Marsh), Vernon Waterman (spouse Sarah Waterman), Russell Waterman (spouse Kristina Waterman), Tammie Wilkin (spouse Carl Wilkin). Forever, cherished and remembered by her 19 Grand Children, 48 Great-Grand Children, and 2 Great-Great-Grand Children.

Florence was also blessed to have been honorable grandmother to multiple children; they welcomed all that came into their home with love.

The Family of Florence is grateful that you have come to share this moment with us. There will be no dinner to follow the graveside service. The next few weeks and months will be very difficult for our Father. But we do ask that over the next few weeks and months you come to share a meal and your memories.