Vera Dee Boyd Gage

Vera, age 93, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2017. She most recently lived in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, but lived most of her life in Charleston, Missouri. She raised her family there and had a long history of working at several local stores. One of her favorite jobs was at the Young's Gift shop, where she enjoyed working personally with customers. Her longest career was managing the local Kentucky Fried Chicken. She was proud of her work there and the store was recognized for many accomplishments during her employment. She retired at the age of 85 and received special honor by her employer. She loved working and established special relationships with her fellow workers, especially Augustine Parr, a long time and dear friend. Following her retirement, she discovered reading and got her first library card. For the next 5 years she visited the Charleston Library many, many times and voraciously read every kind of book!

Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Amanda & Alfred Boyd, her siblings, Jean and Adron, step daughter, Becky Gage, granddaughter, Leslie Austin and her husband, Bill Gage of 58 years. She is survived by a son, Jim Jones and his wife Jeanette, daughter Carolyn Bowers and her husband Rob, and step son Bud Gage and his wife Patte. She also leaves behind beloved grandchildren Brooke, Cole, Kelly, Heather, Beth, Ray, and Chuck, great-grandchildren Jaylen and Blake, her favorite nephew, Sid, and members of the Gage family. She loved her family and loved preparing holiday lunches for their enjoyment. She loved many of her co-workers, and neighbors.

Vera loved all things red, was an avid fan of Jeff Gordon and Nascar racing, her nightly glass of wine, and catfish dinners! For the past year, Vera, lived in Village Springs nursing home in Hot Springs Village, where she was loved by both staff and other residents. Earlier this year, she was crowned queen and loved sharing her tiara with all. She had quite a sense of humor and managed to charm all who met her! If memories keep the image of a person alive, she will be around for a very long time!

Visitation will be held at McMikle Funeral Home from 10:00 am until the funeral hour at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 22, 2017. Sid Whittington of Cape Girardeau will officiate.

Interment will be at the East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Don Gage, Louis Bradley, Warren Gage, Larry Williams, Ray Jones, and David Parr.

In lieu of flowers, Vera would love donations to the Vera D. Gage Endowment, c/o Arkansas Community Foundation, 1400 West Markham, Suite 206, Little Rock, AR 72201 or online at www.arcf.org/VeraGageEndowment. The funds will support the Clara Drinkwater Newnam Branch Library, Charleston, Missouri, in memory of Vera Gage.