Venice L. McCleary (Hartville)'s Obituary
Funeral services for Venice Leolia McCleary will be Thursday Morning 10:00 AM April 5, 2012 in Coon Creek Free Will Baptist Church Northeast of HartviVenice Leolia McCleary, daughter of Dolan Estel and Emma Reddick Stigall, was born July 2, 1913 in Hartville, Missouri. She departed this life Sunday, April 1, 2012 in the Hartville Care Center, Hartville, Missouri at the age of ninety-eight years, eight months, and thirty days.
On December 23, 1931, Venice was united in marriage to James Troy McCleary and to this union five children were born.
Venice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Troy; a son, Bobbie McCleary; a grandson, Tommy McCleary; her brothers, Lawson, Loman, and Jason Stigall; and her sisters, Marie McDaris and Gladys Rippee.
She is survived by her children, Ima Faye Gammon and husband Leo of Walker, Missouri, Murlin Donald McCleary and wife Sharon of Hartville, Missouri, Annabelle Cantrell and husband Donald T., of Niangua, Missouri, and Mary Pedersen and husband Gerald of Hartville, Missouri; grandchildren, Charles Hubbard and wife Norma Jean of Vidor, Texas, Marilyn Wright of Springfield, Missouri, Bobby McCleary and wife Donna of Lemon Grove, California, Cindy Van Sise and husband Jack, of Lemon Grove, California, Kathy Moretto of Lemon Grove, California, Chad McCleary and wife Donna of Jonesboro, Missouri, Shanna Stark of Springfield, Missouri, Michael McCleary and wife Glenda of Linwood, Kansas, Donovan McCleary of Oskaloosa, Kansas, Troy McCleary and wife Alisha of Linwood, Kansas, Derwin Cantrell and wife Traci of Warrenton, Virginia, Annette Bertoldie and husband John of Marshfield, Missouri, Dennis Cantrell of Marshfield, Missouri, Melissa Dedmon and husband Dennis of Hartville, Missouri, Tonja Crum and husband Danny of Marshfield, Missouri, Martin Roy Pedersen and wife LaDonna of Hartville, Missouri, and Galen Pedersen of Hartville, Missouri; 37 great-grandchildren; 12great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of other relatives and many dear friends.
Venice was born in Hartville and attended school in a one room schoolhouse during her younger years. After she and Troy were married, they made their home in Hartville before moving to Idaho during the Great Depression in 1934. They moved back to Hartville in 1944 and settled on the family farm that Troy’s father had homesteaded. That farm is still in the family to this day.
Venice and Troy were saved on the same day and they both were lifelong members of Coon Creek Freewill Baptist Church. Venice was very involved in her church and played an important role when the new church building was built. She had a love for Gospel music, one that was passed down to her children. She could sing for hours on end, never repeating a song.
Venice and Troy had a marriage that most couples should strive for. They worked side by side on the farm and did the best that they could to provide for their family. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren and had an unconditional love for her family, friends, and neighbors.
Venice enjoyed crocheting and was an avid quilter. She made numerous quilts and gave one to each of her children and grandchildren and to countless others throughout her lifetime.
Venice’s home was always open, especially on Sunday’s after church. Sunday dinners were a tradition in her home; nothing made her happier than to see all of her loved ones gathered together.
Venice was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her long life and her many accomplishments and will cherish the beautiful memories she leaves behind for her family and dear friends.
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