Laquita Gakle

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Known for her kindness and generosity of heart, as well as for her spirited sense of humor, Laquita Gakle lived a full life caring for others. She loved children, Christmas, Cornhuskers, and NASCAR almost as much as she loved her own family. Laquita Gakle passed away in her sleep on March 25, 2026 at the age of 91.

Laquita was born in Greenfield, MO on August 30, 1934, to Guy and Oletha Killingsworth. After graduating from high school, she attended the Burge Deaconess Training School for Nurses in Springfield, MO and passed the State Board in November of 1955 at the age of 21. 

After marrying enlisted Army man Paul Gakle, she immediately took a job as Staff Nurse at Valley Forge Army Hospital in Phoenixville, PA. Thus began her lifelong duty of caring for others, which she never stopped doing, regardless of where she was. She served as Staff Nurse in Norfolk and Grand Island, NE from 1957-1972, followed by Office Nurse until 1976. Many of her dearest memories are from her time as Office Nurse in OB/GYN in Omaha until 1989: Laquita absolutely loved babies! She returned to Greenfield, MO in late 1989, where she worked for several years as a Supervisor at the Dade County Nursing Home. In 1998 she became the beloved Library Aide at Greenfield Elementary, truly enjoying surrounding herself with books and children.

Laquita’s own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren featured prominently in her life. She had four children: Mark, Mary, Leah, and Joe. Her all-time favorite role was being lovingly known as “Magga” by her 11 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She treasured her time with them, providing treats like astronaut cake, striped delight, and “green stuff”.

It was during her time living in Nebraska that Laquita found a passion for Cornhuskers Football. Cornhusker games and NASCAR races (especially those featuring Kyle Larson) remained her two favorite events to watch on TV. Her home was always filled with multiple Christmas trees all year long, invoking the Christmas spirit whenever you visited.

Laquita was preceded in death by her parents Guy and Oletha Killingsworth, brother Guy Killingsworth Jr., baby sisters Glenda Rae and Sherry Ann, ex-husband Paul, and daughter Mary. She is survived by her sister, Ardella Lack.

Laquita will be remembered as a warm and caring soul who brought joy to others. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Collins Cemetery on State Hwy 97, Lockwood, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Collins Cemetery and would be greatly appreciated. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.