MARY BELLE CLATT
1910-2008

Mary Belle Clatt, 97, of Memphis, formerly of Gorin, died Monday, February 11, 2008 at the Scotland County Care Center in Memphis.

She was born the daughter of Charles and Ora (Herring) Boyer on March 20, 1910.   Mary Belle was raised in the Rainbow area south of Gorin and graduated from Gorin High School in 1929.   She attended Kirksville State Teacher’s College (Truman State University) and taught in many area rural schools.

Mary Belle married Guy Carson Clatt on April 28, 1935.   He preceded her in death in 1965.

The Clatts raised three children – Lanny, Kenny and Dianna – on their farm southeast of Gorin.

Mary Belle was an avid homemaker, maintaining her home as long as she was able.  She always raised a bountiful garden and especially enjoyed her flowers.  She loved to cook and delighted in feeding her family and friends.   Mary Belle lovingly created beautiful quilts that are treasured by her family.

She was a helpful and caring neighbor, making lasting friends in both her rural and town communities.  She was a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Gorin and was an active participant as long as her health permitted.

She was preceded in death by her husband; three brothers – Archie, Wallace and Cecil Boyer; a great grandson, Kaden Lanz.

She is survived by her children, Lanny and wife Mary Clatt of Kahoka, Kenny and wife Sherrill Clatt of Gorin and Dianna and husband August Lanz of Lee’s Summit, MO; a brother, Hollis and wife Anabel Boyer of Granger; sister-in-law, Lucille Boyer of Memphis; grandchildren, Janine and husband Gary Stephenson of New London, MO, Cindy and husband Travis Eddleman of Olathe, KS, Tammy Weidenbenner of Memphis, Alan and wife Susan Erickson of West Lafayette, IN, Danny Clatt of Warrensburg, Tim and wife Darcy Lanz of Olathe, and Bret Lanz of Manhattan, KS; six great grandchildren, Kylie Stephenson, Meadow and Carson Eddleman, Monica Weidenbenner, and Alisan and Lauren Erickson; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services was at 2 p.m., Friday, February 15, at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Gorin with Jim Campell, pastor of the Gorin Christian Church officiating.  He was assisted by Leland Oliver, pastor of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Burial was in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Gorin.

Visitation was from noon until 8 p.m., Thursday, February 14, at the Gerth Funeral Home in Memphis with the family present from 6-8 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the Scotland County Care Center or the Pleasant Grove Cemetery and can be left at or mailed to the Gerth Funeral Service, 115 S. Main St. Memphis, MO 63555.

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