Chapels, LLC and Cremation Services

217 W. Broadway
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-630-3131

208 S. Jefferson
Kearney, MO 64060
816-628-4411

214 N. Pennsylvania
Lawson, MO 64062
816-296-0097

Luella Gallinger

Luella “Toots” Mae Edwards Gallinger, 98, of Kearney, Mo., passed away July 27, 2018. She was born November 8, 1919 to parents, Henry J. and Lina Edwards, northwest of Rosendale. She graduated from Rosendale High School and attended the Johnson School of Business in St. Joseph, Mo. On November 20, 1941, she married Warren “Pete” Gallinger, who preceded her in death September 6, 1999.

During World War II, she was employed at W. H. Baron and Son as a secretary. She then went to work at the North American Bomber plant as a clerk and secretary in the department where the B-25 Bombers were made. Toots and Pete then returned to Union Star, where they raised their three sons, Warren L. (Dianne) Jr., Jerre (Pat), and Russel (Robbie).

Toots served as treasurer on the Union School Board for 19 years, worked as a clerk at the Watts Grocery Store, and was a clerk at the Union Star Post Office. She was also a member of the Methodist Church for 35 years, where she also served as a Sunday school teacher and youth counselor. She was a charter member of the United Methodist Women’s Federated Club, PTA President, and Den Mother for all three sons in Cub Scouts. She also served as president of the Northwest Missouri Republican Party during the Reagan Administration.

She was preceded in death by her parents and step father, Henry Swigert; sisters, Blanche Mongomery, Leola Hardin, Joy Ozretich, and step sister, Darlene Hendricks; brother, Freddie Edwards.

She leaves her three sons and their wives, along with six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 30, 2018 at First Christian Church in Kearney, Mo. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Union Star, Mo. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Kearney Food Pantry.

Arrangements in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.

Our Sincere Condolences

The times I was around “Toots”, I will always fondly remember. She was a gentle giant who was such a remarkable lady. I am so appreciative that I got to know her.
Robert D Dennis

“Toots” will always be remembered for the way she made each person feel “especially special” –  her magnanimity of character was such a wonderful example for us all. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by many.
Psalm 116:15  “The Lord cares deeply when His loved ones die” … I’m sure she is being greatly welcomed in Heaven 🙂
Nancy Savely

Extending our sympathy to your family at this time. Toots was a very special lady and she will be missed.
The Jean Snuffer Family

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