Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Select your format and elements to print
Lena Irene
Wells
May 9, 1939 — May 31, 2026
Lena Irene Wells, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and devoted member of her community, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026 at the age of 87. Born on May 9, 1939, in Richwoods, Missouri, Lena lived a life marked by giving, selflessness, and an enduring commitment to helping those in need.
Lena's warmth and generosity were evident to all who knew her. She was always putting others before herself, offering support, care, and kindness. Her proudest accomplishments were being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, roles she fulfilled with boundless affection and dedication.
After the passing of her first husband, James F. Villmer, Lena found love again and was united in marriage to Chester "Chet" Wells on June 11, 2000. Together they shared 25 treasured years.
Lena was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church, deeply involved in her faith community. Her interests and hobbies reflected her nurturing spirit and zest for life. She took great joy in quilting, canning, gardening, cutting grass, and caring for her beautiful flowers. A lover of thrifting, sewing, and cooking, Lena delighted in feeding others and often lent her hands to support the food pantry, church funeral dinners, and the Lions Club.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Chester Wells; her two daughters, Cathy Villmer of Richwoods, Missouri, and Debra "Debbie" Sharp and her husband Stuart of Ballwin, Missouri; and four cherished sisters: Cecelia Louise Files of Fenton, Missouri; Carol Pahlman and her husband Gary of Catawissa, Missouri; Shirley Pelton and her husband Gary of Lonedell, Missouri; Dorothy DeClue and her husband Bill Everhardt of Richwoods, Missouri and niece, Linda Boyster of Richwoods, who was raised like a sister. Lena was also a proud grandmother to Leanne Boyer and a loving great-grandmother to Gabby and Abraham in addition to many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear and special friends who will remember her vibrant spirit and boundless generosity.
Lena was preceded in death by her first husband, James F. Villmer; her daughter, Mary Margaret Villmer; her parents, Mary Emmaline (Boyer) DeClue and Cleatus Francis DeClue; brothers Thomas "Bud," Lester, Charles, and Danny DeClue; sisters Betty James, Virginia Weber, Lilly Arnold, Bernice DeClue; and nephew Michael James.
Lena’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and community will be forever treasured. Her selfless nature and benevolent heart have left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate to know her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Arrangements are being handled by Moore Funeral Homes, Potosi, MO where the family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, June 2, 2026 and from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, Richwoods, MO. Funeral services will be at St. Stephen Catholic Church at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Interment will be at St. Stephen Catholic Cemetery, Richwoods, MO.
Tuesday
Moore Funeral Home
4:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Wednesday
St. Stephen Catholic Church
9:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Wednesday
St. Stephen Catholic Church
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Visits: 1004
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors