Secrest worked at Key Work Clothes, starting as a seamstress and moving up to supervisor before retiring after 40 years. Sewing and quilting remained central to her life, and she made clothes for family members and even for her grandchildren’s dolls.
While living in Fort Scott, she and her husband Carl were members of First Baptist Church and helped with church and community projects, including service at the Beacon food and clothing pantry. After moving to Springfield, Mo., in 1996, they joined Bois D’Arc United Methodist Church.
Funeral services are set for 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at Cheney Witt Chapel, with burial following in the U.S. National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.