Emily Elizabeth Coen

LEXINGTON, MO - Emily Elizabeth Coen, 94, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024, in the loving presence of her children at her residence in Richmond, MO.  The celebration of Emily’s life on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, will include the Visitation to be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with the Services starting at 11:00 a.m., at Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, Lexington. Burial will follow at Machpelah Cemetery, Lexington. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Trinity United Church of Christ or to the Lexington 4Life Foundation. 

Emily was born March 24, 1930, in Mayview, Missouri.  She graduated from Mayview High School in 1948 and served as class Valedictorian. She married Louis W. Coen, Jr., on October 20, 1951, at Zion United Church of Christ in Mayview.  They lived nearly 70 years in Lexington where they raised their two children, Bill and Hollye.  Emily and Louis owned and operated Coen's Flower Shop there for more than 20 years, succeeding his father who owned it 17 years. After selling the flower shop, they continued with the family vegetable plant and produce business for another 30 years. She also enjoyed the camaraderie and use of her many skills working at other Lexington businesses, including a dry cleaner and a flower shop. 

Emily was blessed with an artist’s touch for creating beautiful flower arrangements with almost magical ease.  She was a masterful floral designer who touched the lives of so many patrons and family members, especially for weddings, anniversaries, and other meaningful events, through decades of designing and creating impeccable arrangements. Emily will be remembered fondly for her dedication to family.  She was greatly loved by her grandchildren as she connected with each of them even in her final days and often expressed her heartfelt love. She similarly treasured visits from her nieces and other relatives and friends.  Emily was a long time member of the “Card Club” and enjoyed this fellowship with so many dear friends.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Louise (Rabius) Bertz, Mayview; her husband, Louis W. Coen, Jr.; her sister and brother-in-law Margaret and Bill Glover, Higginsville; and her brother Robert and sister-in-law Virginia, Mayview.  She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Sharon and Steve Lewis, Anita, Iowa; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Don and Ann Coen, Lexington; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dr. Larry and Diane Coen, Naples, FL; her son and daughter-in-law Bill and Joetta Coen, Queen Creek, AZ; and daughter and son-in-law Hollye and Dennis Denney, Lee’s Summit.  In addition, she has 4 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.   

The family extends special thanks to staff members of Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Oak Ridge Assisted Living, Richmond, MO, who provided Emily with excellent daily care, comfort, and friendship in her last years; the compassionate care of Shirkey Hospice & Palliative Care staff member; and Reverend Liz Deveney for her comforting words, fellowship, and prayers.