Willene Dernehl

Willene Moore Dernehl, a native of Springfield, Mo, was born December 24, 1914, to Sara Rebecca (Hanna) and Robert Cooper Moore. She died on April 13, 2014 at 4:20 p.m. in Brookhaven Health and Rehab center, Springfield, Mo.

She married Carl Ulrich Dernehl, M.D. on July 13, 1940, in Galveston, Texas. He preceded her in death in 1998.

Willene attended the public schools in Springfield, and spent one year in Southwest Missouri State University. The following years were spent in the Medical College of Virginia, School of Nursing, Richmond, Virginia, where she received her degree as a Registered Nurse. After graduation from MCV, Willene accepted employment in the Western Reserve University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio. From Ohio she went to Galveston, Texas and was employed at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where she became a supervisor in the psychiatric division. During World War II, she was engaged in teaching student nurses and students of the American Women’s Volunteer Services.

After the War, Willene spent twenty-four years in girl scouting as a volunteer. She became a trainer of trainers in adult scouting, while a resident of White Plains, New York. Following her years in scouting, she served a total of fourteen years as President of the Manhattan Matinee Club of New York City.

Genealogy became her interest in 1965, where her interest remained until her death. She held a life membership in the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and a life membership in the Ozarks Genealogical Society. Willene was an active member in the National Society of the Daughters of the American Colonists, Stukely Westcott Chapter, where she held many offices. She was an active member in her dual memberships in NSDAR chapters in White Plains, New York and the Rachel Donelson chapter, Springfield, Mo. Willene spent many years working for the Sons of the American Revolution, assisting pending members with their application papers, for which she received many awards.

She was also a member of the United Methodist Church in White Plains, New York.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jean D. Weatherly; and a brother, Ralph H. Moore.

Survivors include a grand-daughter, Rebecca Dianne Loughead; and a niece, Janet Moore Payne and family.

No public services will be held. Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery, Springfield, Mo, under the direction of Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home.

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