Anna Geraldine “Gerry” Conklin, age 86, entered eternal rest in her Lord’s presence on June 25, 2022, after a short illness.
Gerry was born on November 19, 1935 to Alfred M. and Lillie R. (Case) Hinten in Thompson, MO. She married her grade school crush, Albert L. Conklin, on November 21, 1953 in Benton City, MO; together they enjoyed 68 years of deeply devoted marriage.
Gerry’s Christian faith was the centerpiece of her life; she left a legacy of service. She was an active member of the Kentucky Road Christian Church, where she served as a longtime children’s Sunday School teacher and superintendent, directed and taught for Vacation Bible Schools, served as a youth group sponsor and church camp worker, helped children learn to express themselves in various forms of art, painted murals for the Love Street Christian Church and Kentucky Road Christian Church baptistries and Kentucky Road education wing, mentored mothers with young children, and utilized cooking and sewing skills to serve in numerous ways. She actively supported a wide variety of other Christian ministries, including Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch, where she and Albert served as the first house parents.
Gerry experienced the presence and power of God through a close connection to His creation, and this was evident in her interests and hobbies. She loved her cats/dogs and was an avid vegetable and flower gardener. Her creativity was expressed through garden design, painting, drawing, sewing, and craft projects. Her family was very fond of her blackberry cobbler. Most significantly, she was deeply devoted to her family. She was a good listener and an encourager, who enjoyed following the interests and activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband Albert, she is survived by six children: Dale A. Conklin (Eldona) of Mansfield, MO, L. Dean Conklin of Auxvasse, MO, Norman K. Conklin (Chaille) of Nevada, MO, Marshal E. Conklin of Benton City, MO, Francene M. Snell (Jeff) of Knoxville, TN, and Candy H. Tollefsen (Martin) of Horten, Norway. She is also survived by a brother, Glen A. Hinten of Centralia, Missouri, two sisters, Norma L. Hayden of Thompson MO and Doris J. Cook of Mexico, MO, eleven grandchildren, and twenty two great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and a great-grandson.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Kentucky Road Christian Church in Mexico, with Dr. Gareth Reese officiating. Burial will follow in Benton City Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time at the church. Pickering Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
The family requests that memorial gifts be given to Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch, Box 606, Shelbina, Missouri, 63468.
Online condolences may be given at pickeringfh.com
