Sue Gilstrap

(From Parker Mortuary)

Susan Ann Gilstrap, age 79, Joplin, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at her home after a lengthy illness.

Sue was born February 28, 1938 in Joplin, daughter of the late Floyd DeWeese and Clarice (DeVillers) DeWeese. She went to Joplin High School, and later moved to Hammond, Indiana where she raised her family. She was a stay at home who dedicated herself to caring for her family until they were grown. After moving back to Joplin she worked multiple places, Eagle Picher, opened Sue’s Country Kitchen, Dillon’s as a floral designer, and later for Carl Richard Bowl for several years. Her greatest joy and most important job was raising and caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by a son, Floyd Fielding Williams; grandson, Nathan Williams; and a brother, Lee A. DeWeese.
Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Gerald G. Gilstrap; son, Jerry Lee Gilstrap; daughters, Debra Ann Scroggs and husband Craig, and Cheryl Elizabeth Miller and husband Victor all of Joplin; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; brother, Christopher A. DeWeese and wife Susie of Joplin; sisters, Elizabeth Ann King and husband George, and Patricia Ann Merrick all of Grove, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Susan’s Life will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 12:30 pm in the Racine Apostolic Church. Private inurnment of her ashes will be in Burkhart Cemetery in Racine, Missouri will follow.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.