Leola ‘Marie’ Gunter

NEELYVILLE -- Leola “Merle” Gunter, age 96, passed into Heaven on July 23, 2020, at Cedargate Healthcare, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

She was born on Nov. 26, 1923, in Poplar Bluff, daughter of Noah and Beaunia Garrett.

Mrs. Gunter is survived by her daughter, Judy Whittington of Poplar Bluff and 11 grandchildren, Curtis (Lynn) Phelps, Angie (Dan) Landrum, Eric Phelps, Tina (Alex) Dugas, Becky (John) Rice, Tracy Sheppard, Judy (Nathan) Ogden, Phillip (Crystal) Phelps, Victoria Phelps, David Phelps and Ronnie Phelps.

In addition, Mrs. Gunter is survived by 19 great-grandchildren and 21 great-great grandchildren. She was also loved by several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her sons, Gary and Ronnie Phelps; her son-in-law, Morgan Whittington and her great-grandson, David Franklin.

Merle was an avid fisherman and hunter, as well as skilled card player (though she was frequently accused of cheating by Ronnie and Judy). She loved wildlife and gardening and was never seen without her lipstick.

Friends and family are welcome at the visitation to be held Saturday, July 25, 2020, at 10 a.m. with service to follow at 11 a.m. at Fowler and Sons Funeral Home in Neelyville.

The family would like to thank the Cedargate Healthcare family for their exceptional compassionate care during this time.