Mary Ellen Gerster

Mary Ellen Gerster, 80, El Dorado Springs, died Saturday, March 5, 2005, at St. John's Regional Health Center in Springfield. She was born Jan. 31, 1925, in Vernon County, the daughter of Frank and Myrtle Thomas Hutchison. She married Jewell R. Gerster on Oct. 2, 1942.

She graduated from Walker High School. She worked as a secretary for the Nevada Rehab Center and for Brownsberger's Clothing Store in El Dorado Springs. She was a member of the El Dorado Springs First Baptist Church and the Royal Neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, Charles Richard Gerster; two sisters; and two brothers. Survivors include her daughters, Judy Ellen Gerster, Nevada, and Sandra Jean Bezler, Eldon, Mo.; sons, David Neal Gerster, Oklahoma, and Darrell Ray Gerster, El Dorado Springs; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held today, March 8, at 10:30 a.m., at the Hackleman Chapel with the Rev. John Nichols officiating. Interment was in the Harwood Cemetery. Pallbearers were Shane Gerster, Brock Gerster, Craig Gerster, Brian Bezler, Michael Gerster, Joshua Gerster, Roy Parkinson and Bobby Hutchison. Honorary pallbearers were Michael Bennett, Eddie Ouellette, Travis Baldwin, Luke Gardner and Tony Rushing. Arrangements are by Hackleman and Sons Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.