Lela R. Gregory, age 84, Lowry City, Missouri passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at Golden Living Center-Westwood, Clinton, Missouri.

Lela Ruth Gregory was born November 16, 1924 in Protection, KS. She was the youngest child of Hilda LeGuerriere Berg and Lance Berg. She was adopted by William and Della Barr at a young age and lived near Lansing, KS. Her father worked in a coal mine and later for a railroad company. During the depression the family moved to a farm near Greenfield, MO where they raised cattle and worked the farm. In March of 1942, Lela moved to Fulton, MO and lived at a National Youth Association Camp where she met her future husband, Herschel H. Gregory. the NYA was a Goverment camp which trained youth to work in the shipyards. While in route Herschel and Lela were married on June 22, 1943 in Green River, Wyoming.

Herschel and Lela lived near Clinton, MO and were married for 48 and half years. Herschel passed away August 11, 1991 in Donna, Texas where they had moved due to his health. Lela then lived in Lowry City, MO until moving to Golden Living Center-Westwood in Clinton in the fall of 2005. She passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 12, 2009.

Lela is survived by her son Bill Gregory and wife Carol of Wichita, KS, daughters, Carolyn Werlein and husband Gregg of St. Paul, MN, Maryln Rufenacht and husband Les of Mt. Zion, MO, sons Bob Gregory and wife Robin of Los Angeles, CA and Don Gregory and wife Lisa of Boston, MA; ten grandchildren, Cindy, Donna Marie, Marc, Clint, Cheri, Heather, Krista, Pam, Brian and Patty. She also is survived by thirteen great grandchildren and one great great granadchild.

Following a simple cremation, her remains will be placed by her husband's side in Clinton Memory Gardens Cemetery, Clinton.

Should you wish to share memories of Lela's life, the family will be at her daughter Maryln's residence near Mt. Zion, Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. prior to a private family remembrance.