Uarda Lee Kinsey, 90, of Springfield, died peacefully in her home, Tuesday evening, May 31, 2022, after a long illness.

Lee was born January 30, 1932, in Hays, Kansas; one of four children born to Otto Allen Wahlborg and Gladys Edith Hoffer Wahlborg. Lee married her childhood sweetheart, Thomas S. Kinsey, in Bolivar, Missouri, April 03, 1951. Lee was instrumental in Tom's art and teaching career and provided support with exhibitions and lesson plans.

After being a homemaker and working at Southern Missouri Trust Company, Lee returned to school and graduated Magna cum laude from Missouri State University in 1974, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. She also served as a substitute teacher and worked for the Student Book Exchange.

An accomplished gardener and seamstress, Lee created colorful flower gardens and many custom-sewn articles of clothing over the years, including her daughters' wedding dresses.

Lee is survived by two daughters, Roxanne Kinsey Darby (David) of Kissee Mills, Missouri; Joy D. Fothergill (Kevin) of Burnsville, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Bill Darby (Melissa), Dustin Fothergill (Kim), Danielle Fothergill, and Seth Darby; one great-grandson, Camden Darby; one great-granddaughter, Malaya Fothergill, and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-eight years, Thomas S. Kinsey, an infant daughter, Kim, her parents and three siblings: Donna Deanne Michael, Berne Wahlborg, and Lois Price.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tom Kinsey Art Education Scholarship Fund, at MSU, the Unitarian-Universalist Church, or Seasons Hospice, all of Springfield.