Elma Jean Hambelton, daughter of Willie and Opal Friend was born on February 7, 1933. She entered into eternal rest on April 27, 2026 at the age of 93 years.

On August 23, 1952 she married Onard Hambelton. They spent 54 years in marriage until he preceded her in death on October 11, 2006. Elma was a homemaker and worked at Baxter Lab for around 25 years. She loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandkids, great grandkids, and great-great grandkids. She also liked to ride her four-wheeler, do garden and yard work, sew, make quilts and plant flowers, play board games, and card games with all her family.

She was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Smith Chapel Church of Christ for many years. Some advice Elma wants to give the world is “be forgiving and don’t give up”.

She is survived by four children: Nora Perry and husband Lonnie, Guy Hambelton and wife Doris, Floyd Hambelton and Paulean, Teresa Fare and husband Robert; many grandchildren; great grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; lots of nieces and nephews; and two sisters Ada Beard and Wanda Beard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Opal Friend; husband Onard Hambelton; one son David Hambelton; one daughter Lisa Belt; one granddaughter Sarah Perry; one sister Lucile Donley; and three brothers Buddy Friend, Tesley Friend, and Billy Friend.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 4, 2026 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel in Gainesville, MO. Visitation will be Monday afternoon from 1 p.m. to service time. Burial will be in the Patrick Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Patrick Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.