Obituary

Posted

Patricia Leola Gunter of Clinton, Missouri, passed away on February 17, 2022, just two days after celebrating her 85th birthday. Patricia, lovingly referred to as “Patsy” by many, died at Carrington Place in St. Petersburg, Florida near her daughter and granddaughter.
Patsy was born in Newell, South Dakota on February 15, 1937, but spent many of her younger years moving around to various parts of the Midwest. She finally settled in Clinton almost 40 years ago, quickly establishing herself as a pillar in her community.
She was a devout Christian and proud member of the Church of Christ. She was also a lifetime member of the federated Twilight Garden Club of Clinton, Missouri since 1996. Patsy loved going for long drives, socializing with friends at the Blue Ribbon Bakery, tending to her garden, crafting greeting cards, and baking sweet treats. She had an affinity for seeing the beauty in everything. She loved collecting antiques not because of their value but because of the joy each unique piece brought to her.
Patsy is survived by her two sisters, Gwen Eschliman and Jacquie Pinnt; two children, Greg Gunter and Jerilyn Rush; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; as well as extended family members and many, many friends.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Lathan Edwards, and youngest son, Garth Gunter.
Patsy especially will be remembered for the genuine love and care she exuded for her friends and family. She was always taking care of others, whether it be bringing a homecooked meal, sending a handmade card, or lending an ear to those in need. She was the greatest friend to all.
The Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, 19 March 2022, at the Clinton Church of Christ at 607 E Clinton Street in Clinton, Missouri. Dennis Meyers will be officiating the service. The service will be followed by a potluck in the church’s fellowship hall of which all are encouraged and welcome to attend.
If sending flowers, the family would like the church to be showered in wildflowers, Patsy’s favorite. In lieu of flowers, donations can also be made to any domestic violence shelter of your choice in her memory.
For further queries and contributions, please contact her daughter, Jerilyn Rush, at 813-927-6795.
Wiley Kent Combs
Wiley Kent Combs was born August 5th, 1942, to Glenn Combs and Mildred (Wiley) Combs in Henry County, Missouri. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 21st, 2022 in Clinton, Mo. Kent was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Louis and Eula (Whitchurch) Eckhardt; and brothers-in-law, Forrest Parks and Richard Brasier. Survivors include his wife, Pearl (Eckhardt) Combs of the home; their children and grandchildren, Pam and Aspen Gottmann, Denver, Colorado, Sherie and Ron Martinez, Kelsie and Hayley Martinez, Clinton, Mo., and Jill and Eric Snider, Lily and Bodee Snider, Grain Valley, Mo.; sister, Boann Parks and niece Shalon Dittus (Myles), sister, Donna Brasier and nieces LeeAnn Torrez (Iannick), Leslie Gregoroski (John), brother, Max Combs (Barb), nephew, Brad Combs (Emily), niece, Jodi Billings (Brent), great-nieces and great-nephews, Adison Dittus, Lena and Marin Torrez, Gracey and Emma Gregoroski, Quintin and Carley Combs, Jordon and Jackson Billings. Also surviving are many cousins and a host of friends. Kent attended several rural schools around the Deer Creek area and graduated from Clinton High School in 1960. In 1964 Kent was drafted into the United States Army stationed in Detroit, Michigan serving two years. Kent and Pearl were married for 50 years. During their 50 years of marriage, they stood beside each other working together and believing in their vows. They never gave up on one another. As Kent’s health declined Pearl cared for him 24/7 as his caretaker. She stood by her promise of in sickness and in health. They were both so very lucky to have 50 years together. Kent and Pearl had three children and were blessed with four granddaughters and one grandson. Each one holding a very special place in his heart. He often called them all by nickname, Puddin Woodin’, Big Rod, Little Rod, Hot Rod, and Silly Lily. Kent’s favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren. As their Papa he enjoyed attending their ballgames and watching them cheer. He always looked forward to summers when Aspen would stay with them and spoiling her. He loved to be involved in any way he could with them and was so very proud to be their Papa. There were three constants in Kent’s life. His loyalty to his church, his commitment to his family and his love of his friends. He was raised as a lifelong member of Drake’s Chapel United Methodist Church. He served many roles in the church. In his later years he enjoyed maintaining the grounds of the church and cemetery. In 2012 Kent was diagnosed with cancer. He battled bravely and fought hard through many ups and downs. He never felt sorry for himself, he never gave up. He always fought each step bravely. His last few years he was kept from doing many of the things he enjoyed but always continued to be there for all his family and friends in any way he could manage and continued to be the example of always putting others first. Memorial services for Kent will be at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. just prior to the service. Military honors will be observed at the funeral home by Veteran of Foreign Wars, Post 1894, Clinton. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Drake's Chapel Cemetery, Heartland Hospice of Butler, Mo., or the Golden Valley Memorial Hospital Oncology Department, and these donations may be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.
Death
Notices
Harley Bud Wilson, age 88, of Clinton, died, Monday, February 28, 2022 in Warrensburg, Missouri. The family received friends from 5-7 pm Thursday, March 3, 2022 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton. A funeral service was held at 11 am on Friday, March 4, 2022 at the Norris United Methodist Church, Blairstown, Missouri. Burial followed in the Carpenter Cemetery, Chilhowee, Missouri. Memorial contributions can be made to the Carpenter Cemetery and can be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.
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Carole Lee Krewson, age 79 of Clinton, died on Friday, March 4, 2022 at Foxwood Springs Care Center in Raymore, Missouri. Funeral Services for Carole will be held Wednesday, March 9th, 2022 at 2 pm at the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, Missouri. Family will receive friends from 1-2 pm Wednesday at the chapel. Burial will follow at the Englewood Cemetery, Clinton. Family suggests memorials to the Clinton Community Center and can be left in care of the funeral home.
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William "Jim" James Stokes Jr., age 86, passed away Sunday, March 6th, 2022, at the Kansas City Hospice House, in Kansas City, Missouri.
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John S. Holcroft IV, age 33, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2022 at his home in Clinton, Missouri. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.
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