Lydia Henrietta Gelker, 95, and a resident of Liberty, MO, passed away on Thursday Oct.2, 2014. Lydia was born January 29, 1919 to Henry William and Emilie Marie (Lebowsky) Gelker. Surviving is her only sibling, Esther VanDyck age 99, of Hart, MI.
Although Lydia was never married nor had any children, she enjoyed her early career days giving her the opportunity to travel. Lydia was Ships Cook for several years with the U.S. Coast Guard through April 1946. She then worked for TWA which allowed her to live in New York, San Francisco, and Kansas City, MO. until her retirement. Lydia was co-owner of the Bookenders bookstore in both Weston, MO and Platte City, MO for many years thereafter with her dear friend Flora Crawford.
A Committal Service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2014 Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS. Memories and condolences of Lydia can be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
Lydia was such a kind and thoughtful person to me. I met her when I worked for Flora at the bookstore. Lydia was an incredibly wonderful cook. I went to visit Lydia at her apartment after Flora passed away. May God Be With All Of Her Family. Love, Elda Whipple
Lydia was my Aunt Flora’s roommate and we always enjoyed visiting them. She was an incredible cook and enjoyed making big family dinners. My Aunt told me how Lydia had survived the depression but how it left a lasting mark on her for the rest of her life. She was a strong, kind and gentle woman who was a joy to be around. May she find peace in the arms of God and be surrounded by her loved ones who have gone before.
Where to start….Lydia was such a sweet person and very intelligent. I met Lydia when I moved to the apartment below hers several years ago & we became very good friends. She spent many family holidays and birthdays with me & my family. She would often cook a dish & share with me or I with her. Even when I moved to Gladstone I still took her to the store, post office , Dr. appointments, etc. of which she was ever so grateful. Lydia was a big part of my life, she was like a grandmother and was a dear friend. She would always say, “the Lord has been good to us” (meaning her & her sister Esther). Rest in Peace, Lydia. Life for you will be much better now. Love, Geniece
Lydia became part of our family when I was little, Lydia became like an Aunt to me. She and my Aunt Flora started out purchasing an old motel in Riverside, MO and created an antique / second hand store. I remember working there on weekends, dusting, straightening up, and learning to work the cash register.
Years later they opened up a used book store together in Platte City and I worked there as well. I always loved spending my weekends with them.
Lydia was a great cook and we had wonderful family meals together. She taught me how to make whip cream from scratch.
Lydia was always kind and gracious. She was always interested in what you were doing. Lydia wrote wonderful letters to my mom when we moved away. She had a gentle spirit and a funny sense of humor. I’m so grateful she came into my life and she was part of my family.
I know she is now in heaven reunited with her family and friends. Lydia truly made my childhood special. I will always love you. Suze
Lydia Gelker was a special person, special friend, special cook and a great lover of her animals. She was my neighbor for many years and I could not have asked for a better one. My blessing and love to Lydia as she has gone to a happy home. Margaret Parrett.