Mary Elizabeth Gatlin “Mammaw”, daughter of Frederick Daniel and Adelaide Grace (Lockhart) Trefz was born October 22, 1943 in Kansas City, MO.
She departed this life Monday, September 13, 2021, peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William Overman; brother-in-law, Robert Frazier; sister-in-law, Posie Trefz. She is survived by her four children; son, James Gatlin and wife Kelli, West Plains, MO, daughter, Debra McJunkin and husband John, Springfield, MO, daughter, Ruth Hovermale and husband Rob, Independence, MO; son, Arthur Gatlin and wife Teresa of Humansville, MO, her sister, Margaret Frazier, Adrian, MO, her brother, Martin “Sunny” Trefz, Lake Lotawana, MO, and grandchildren, Curtis, Amber, Aubri, Elizabeth, Jacob, Amber, Danielle, Ryan, Aaron, Cody, and Jennifer, great-grandchildren, Dante, Zander, Jasper, Subrina, Levi, Larissa, Lauryn, Jacob, Maximus, and great great-grandchildren, Everleigh and Jeremiah.
Mary was born and raised in the Kansas City area, and had also spent time in various locations in southern Missouri.
Mary was a hard worker, she spent many years working at Richards Gebaur Air Force Base, she retired from the University of Kansas Medical Center after 30 years of service, she later worked for Wal-Mart Stores for 13 years up until the age of 72 years old.
She was an active member of Girl Scouts of America all through high school, she enjoyed quilting, crafting, fishing, camping, canoeing, cake decorating, crocheting, cooking, baking, and flower and vegetable gardening, as well as canning fruits and vegetables. She was a fun loving mother who enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved spending time with her family and never knew a stranger. She was truly a giving soul who was greatly loved and will be missed by many.
Cremation has taken place and her graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, September 24, 2021 at Forest Hill & Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64131. A Celebration of Life time will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Shelter “A”, located at Lake JACAMO/Blue Springs Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, or a Hospice of your choice. Memories of Mary and words of comfort may be shared at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com.
It is said that GOD sometimes blesses the world with wise and kind souls. Well this week, he called one of them back to Heaven. Mary E. Gatlin, my mother-in-law, was just one such soul, ever kind, considerate, compassionate, generous, sincere, friendly, dignified, and wise. She welcomed everyone into her home and as part of her family, with a warm smile, and a loving embrace. I was honored and privileged, to have been a part of her life, and to have been able to call her mom. Rest well now, for you have earned your seat, at the table, of our LORD.
I love you mawmaw! I’m gonna miss you so much, please watch over the family and keep guiding us down the right path!
I’m so sorry Mary has passed away, she was a good friend and a good person. I hadn’t seen her in sometime but I ll never forget her. Rest in peace with the Lord. I’m sending love and hugs to the family..
I love you Mammaw so very much!! You was truly the best!! I have so great memories!! I can’t wait to see you some day in heaven !! Many kisses and hugs to you !!
Mary was always a delight and bright spot at family gatherings. I always looked forward to seeing her. She had such a spark to her. I have no doubt that spark can be seen now in the Heavens where she now resides. She will be very much missed by all who knew and cared about her. To know Mary was to Love Mary
My deepest condolences to Ms. Gatlin’s entire family and friends. I did not know her personally, but after reading her beautiful obituary, it sounds as though she had a full life and was loved by many. I wish I were able to pay my respects in person, but my thoughts are with you and yours my dear friend Ruth. I love you so very much.