Mabel Gallagher
Mabel (Neff) Gallagher, 95, of Sullivan, MO, passed away Sunday, February 25, 2018 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis.
Mabel Pauline was born on March 14, 1922 to the late John F. and Willie P. (Ervin) Neff in Whitewater, MO. Mabel was the third of five children. Graduating from Esther, MO high school as class salutatorian, she had been active in choir, the school newspaper and played the clarinet in the school band; although she said she did not like to march and play with the reed in her mouth.
Her career began as secretary to the school superintendent in Esther. After three years, she left to marry the love of her life, William H. Gallagher, in July 1944. Together, they moved to Arizona while Bill was serving in the Army Air Force. Mabel was able to get clerical jobs as she followed him to new assignments.
Following the Army days, Bill and Mabel returned to Flat River, MO and she started a new career as mother to Mike, Tom and Susan.
The family moved to Sullivan in 1962 and Mabel became very active in Grace United Methodist Church. Her sewing skills came in handy as she made choir robes and bows for the children’s choir that she also helped direct in her early years. She continued to be active in the Methodist Women’s Group for decades.
Once the kids were out of the house, Mabel and Bill enjoyed extensive traveling throughout most of the 50 states, several countries abroad and they were especially fond of becoming ‘snowbirds’ for 13 years in Harlingen, TX.
Mabel is survived by two children, Tom Gallagher (Patty) of Sullivan, MO; Susan Sachen (Don) of Overland Park, KS; two granddaughters, Tammy Daniel and Shannon Heinle (husband, Jim) all of Sullivan, MO; 5 great-granddaughters, Jessica Berti (husband, Austin), Alyssa Heinle, Aubrey Daniel, Emmy Heinle and Abbey Daniel; one great-great-granddaughter, Marlowe Berti; one sister, Betty Gardner (Harry) of Grand Junction, CO; sisters-in-law, Ruth Neff of Buena Vista, CO; Betty Neff of Park Hills, MO; Jacqueline Gallagher of Park Hills, MO; Mary Ann Gallagher of Murfreesboro, TN; many nieces and nephews spanning five generations and many more friends and family.
Mabel was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, William H. Gallagher; her oldest son, Michael; her brothers, Frank and Don Neff and her sister, Wauna (Neff) Wind.
Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Funeral Services were conducted 11 a.m., Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan, with Pastor Maggie Gann officiating. Interment followed in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Sullivan.
Friends may send online condolences to the Gallagher family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan and Bourbon, MO.