Cleona Marie Guthrie

Cleona Guthrie, 92, of Independence, MO passed away on August 20, 2006 at the Rosewood Health Center. Cleona was born on September 22, 1913 in Strout, IL. She devoted her life to God�s Service, loving and raising her children and her many "adopted� children, and especially to loving and caring for her dear husband. She also supported her husband�s Community of Christ appointee ministry, and made many contributions, which included teaching women�s classes, doing camp work, working with youth, mentoring; and she was a source of strength and wisdom to all who knew her. She was the daughter of a farmer/grocer in Illinois. She received her teaching certificate from Western Illinois State University. Cleona taught school for many years. In 1969, she graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in education and library science. In her retirement, she volunteered many hours at the Community of Christ Temple and Outreach International. Cleona is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Merle P. Guthrie; son, Richard A. Guthrie and wife Diana; daughter, Merlene Miller and husband David; grandchildren, Greg Sloan, Brad Miller, Clark Sloan, Doug Sloan, Laura Broyles, Joyce Guthrie, Tammy Guthrie-Craig; 15 great grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held 10am Saturday, August 26th at the Groves Community Chapel. Friends are invited to visit with the family prior to and after the service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Outreach International or the Temple Endowment Fund.