Waunita Belle Moore

Waunita Belle (Riley) Moore passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025. Waunita was born in Halltown, MO, on November 25, 1934, to Leonard Elmer and Elsie Lucille (Jenkins) Riley, who preceded her in death.

Waunita graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1952. She attended Southwest Missouri State Teachers College (now Missouri State University) in Springfield, MO, and graduated from UMKC in 1984. She was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma social sorority and Pi Omega Pi national business honor society.

On September 18, 1955, she married Joseph Sehnert Moore. They made their home in Independence, MO, where she began her working career in 1958 with Sharp Brothers Contracting Company. She was part of the administrative operation for Sharp Brothers through their many construction projects, but her proudest accomplishment was working there during the construction of the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex. She worked for Sharp Brothers for 27 years.

Following her passion for education, Waunita began teaching Business and Communications at Fort Osage High School in 1985, retiring in June of 2000.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Independence, MO, for many years. She and husband Joe were invited to be part of a church plant and became charter members of Susquehanna Baptist Church in 1960. They raised their three children in this church, where Waunita was the full-time Choir Director for many years. Waunita had a beautiful singing voice and sang many solos, duets, and ensembles.

Waunita enjoyed her many years serving on the Board of Directors of the Vail Victorian Society. She was also a member of the PEO, a philanthropic organization with the goal of furthering the education of women.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter, Joanne Moore, grandson Clayton Riley Moore, and sister Geraldine McCallum.

Survivors include daughter Jeanne (Leon) Schneider of Independence, sons Joseph Craig (Brenda) Moore of St. Joseph, and Steven Riley Moore of Blue Springs, six grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Waunita has been cremated under the care of Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E 39th St S, Independence, MO 64055. Visitation will be held at the chapel on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 4-6 pm. Final resting place will be beside her husband at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, MO, where a gravesite service will be held.

For those wishing to donate in memory of Waunita, please consider the Vaile Victorian Society, Vaile P.O. Box 316, Independence, MO 64051-0316, or First Baptist Church, “Save Our Sanctuary (SOS) Fund”, 500 W Truman Rd, Independence, MO, 64050.