Della Mae Foster, 100
Funeral services for Della Mae Foster, 100, of Bakersfield, were held Oct. 26, 2024, at Bakersfield Full Gospel Church. Burial was at Fore Cemetery.
Mrs. Foster died Oct. 22, at her home. She was born June 15, 1924, at Vidette, Arkansas, to Charley Bales and Pearl Branch Bales.
Della attended school at Pickren Hall. On Dec. 24, 1940, she was married at Vidette, Arkansas, to Lloyd Vernon Foster, who preceded her in death on Aug. 31, 2009.
Della Mae was a hardworking lady with many talents, and she fiercely loved her family. She worked alongside her husband farming and providing for the family. In 1963, she and Vernon along with their son and son-in-law opened Foster & Webb Feed Store in Bakersfield, where she worked until 1978. In 1990, Vernon had a debilitating stroke, and she faithfully cared for him until he passed away in 2009. She was a gardener, homemaker, seamstress, baker and a fantastic cook. She kept her family spoiled by making the best chocolate gravy, chocolate rolls, fried potatoes and pies. She was always happy when her family was gathered in her home. She diligently kept in touch with her family, who lived far away. Della was a devoted Christian who walked to church with her children when they were little and made sure they knew Jesus Christ. Mrs. Foster was a faithful member of Bakersfield Full Gospel Church.
The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Hospice Compassus for their loving care and support.
She is survived by two children: Pansy Webb and husband Jerry, of Bakersfield, and Ken Foster and wife Jo Ann, of Caulfield; five grandchildren: Kenneth Don Foster and wife Becky, of Caulfield, and Charlotte Walker and husband Mark, Lisa Lester and husband David, Doug Foster and Ron Foster and wife Shasta, all of Bakersfield; 13 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; two half-brothers: Dewayne Bales and wife Debbie and Jerry Pat Bales, both of Bakersfield; several nieces and nephews; and special caregivers, Rose Murphy and Shawn Kimbrough.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters: Lillian Evans and Clara Collins; two brothers: Roscoe Bales and Joe Bill Bales; one half-sister, Betty Bales; and one granddaughter-in-law, Sandra Foster.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fore Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. Online condolences may be left at www.robertsondrago.com.