Roma Lee (Sappenfield) Mullenioux died peacefully in her sleep on May 19, 2022 at the age of 93.
Raised in Blue Springs, Missouri, she attended Blue Springs High School and went on to graduate as a Registered Nurse from the St. Luke’s Nursing Program in Kansas City.
Married to a military husband for 55 years she raised three children while constantly moving from stateside posts to Germany with the U.S. Army. She loved traveling and had the opportunity to visit most of the United States and Europe cataloging each step with great memories of family and friends.
A brain aneurism resulted in a marked change in her personality in 2006. For those who only knew Lee in her later years, you didn’t know Lee as her family and friends of many years know and remember her.
Lee was a leader and demonstrated her love by volunteering to help those in need whenever and wherever possible. She used her genuine care for people as a Registered Nurse during 5 years at the Wentworth Military Academy Hospital where she would award a daily “sick call Gold Brick” award to the cadet actor who wanted to get out of class. For many subsequent years she enjoyed working at the Lexington Memorial Hospital, now Lafayette County Regional, helping the local community. A 53-year cancer survivor herself, Lee eagerly participated in Walk for Life fundraisers to help put focus on the need for cancer research.
Lee was very pragmatic and kept her cool in emergency situations, however she is remembered mostly for her great sense of humor. As a gracious hostess, to those fortunate to be invited to the Big Orange Bar, guests could be assured to partake in some good-natured fun, games and merriment. From pinochle to Balderdash, Lee jumped in wholeheartedly.
Lee loved her family and friends and…musicals. Even today, her children can sing every word of Lee’s favorites, they were played so often in the home.
Lee was preceded in death by her parents Andrew Toll and Agnes Genenin (Brooks) Sappenfield. her husband William Hamilton Mullenioux, Major (Retired), her brother James Kent Sappenfield and her eldest grandson Kasey Ryan Mullenioux. She is survived by her children Mark William Mullenioux, Michael Brent (Carol) Mullenioux and Marsha Lee (Jim) Mitchell and two grandsons Mason Hamilton (Thy) Mullenioux and Aaron Lee (Megan) Mullenioux.
A short celebration of life will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at The Parkway Senior Living, 550 NE Napoleon, for residents and staff at The Parkway and for friends and family in the area. For friends in the Lexington, Missouri area there will be another celebration at a date to be determined. A second service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at the First Baptist Church of Lexington, 525 S. Business Hwy 13 #1437 Lexington, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The American Cancer Society or The Wentworth Military Academy Museum, 1128 Main Street, Lexington, Missouri 64067. Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs has been entrusted with arrangements. Memories of Lee and words of comfort for her family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Lee will be missed beyond words.
My memories of my Aunt Lee are fond and numerous. But mostly I recall her and my dads (her brother) fun back and forth banter regarding their “Sappenfield” noses. Each thought the other had the bigger one. Never a dull moment with those two!
I loved my Aunt for her kind and generous spirit. I miss her hosting fun get-togethers at her home in Lexington when I was little and later in the Big Orange Bar that was just downstairs in her home but felt like you were someplace else. Everywhere she was, there was fun, fellowship and good food.
I always felt seen and loved by her and I will miss her very much.
To my cousins (her children and grandchildren); I’m thinking of you all so much. She passed knowing how very much she was loved by you and taken such good care of. She is with her family and in complete peace forever. Peace be with you over these days to come. I love you all very much.
Amanda
My sympathy and my prayers to the Mullenioux families at this time.
Remembering the many years of friendship with Lee and her wonderful family! Rest in Peace Old friend!
Mark and family- so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I remember her so very well and have only great, fun memories of her and her hijinks she used to do. She was always up for anything and everything. I’m sure you will miss her dearly but I hope all the great memories will help carry you though the next days, weeks and months.
Lee was the Head Nurse at Wentworth during the years I was there. She was wonderful. She probably save my roommate’s life, Dave Winters, when she recognized he was allergic to penicillin. Often when visiting Wentworth for Honor Guard Alumni drill practice, she opened up her home and let me use a spare bedroom. After practice, the Mullinenoux’ give great parties at the Big Orange. Some of the Honor Guard, such as Mark Mullenioux and Dennis Large, would play their guitars. Good times. Lee was warm, funny, and kind. I’m so glad to have known you.
So sorry for your loss. Worked with Lee at the hospital in Lexington for many years. She was a caring person. May she Rest In Peace.
I have so many fond memories of Aunt Lee. She was such a resilient woman and was always a lifelong learner. I loved her spirit, and I see it in many female family members. She and my grandpa were such good-spirited people. They always told jokes about one another and had such fun stories to listen to about days gone by. I will miss her so much, and I’m glad she is at peace.
Mark, your NBC family mourns with you. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.