Virginia Gay Slankard

Virginia Gay Slankard, age 72 of Sullivan, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Meramec Nursing Center in Sullivan.

Virginia Gay, known as Gay was born on January 8, 1952, to the late Virgil Ransom and Eula Viola (Richardson) Pratt in Bourbon, MO. She attended and graduated from Bourbon High School class of 1970. Gay was united in marriage to Leonard Edward Slankard on June 30, 1972, and three children were born: Jeffrey, Rebecca and Tamara.

Gay was employed by a book manufacturing company for a short time but mostly dedicated her life to her husband and children. She was a wonderful Mom and Grandma, always selfless, loving, and kind. She lived for her family and cherished the times they spent together. Gay enjoyed playing bingo, and loved playing the lottery.

Gay is survived by two children: Jeffrey Slankard and wife Heather of Bourbon, MO; Rebecca Evans and partner Bruce Keyes of Sullivan, MO; seven grandchildren, Adrianna Protte, Ariella Baches, Alexis Bacon, Logan Slankard, Jeffrey Slankard, Ginny Williams and Nicholas Carpenter; five great-grandchildren: Eric Lewis, Jr. and Casey Edward, Elijah, Jaxson and Cooper Bacon; one brother, Gene Pratt and wife Norma of Perryville, MO, two sisters-in-law: Tommie Pratt of Owensville, MO, and Wilma Pratt of Waynesville, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Gay was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard in 2009; her beloved daughter, Tamara Carpenter; her parents; two brothers: Don Pratt and Curt Pratt; three sisters: Rose Mayberry and husband, Jim, Thelma Rowland and husband, David and Mary Ivie and husband, Calvin.

Services will be 1:00 PM, Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan with Pastor Matt Dudley officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Hill Cemetery, Bourbon.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri.