Gwendolyn Harley passed away at the age of 107, Tuesday, August 25, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. She was born May 4, 1913 to Dr. and Mrs. F.E. Burdett, and raised on the family homestead west of Ava, Missouri with her sisters Rhasneh Tidwell, Freida Hesterlee, Elloree Henley, Wanda Williams, and Willamae Ball. She graduated from Ava High School in 1929, then taught in rural schools in Douglas County. Gwen married Homer Harley in 1932, and together they operated Harley’s, a jewelry, gift and clothing store on the Ava square. Gwen was an active member in the Ava United Methodist Church, as well as the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She and Homer moved to Dallas in 1980, where he passed away in 1998.
Gwen was a faithful Christian who never said an unkind word and always looked for the best in people. Her positive attitude and quiet grace were an inspiration to all who knew her.
Gwen is survived by her son Larry Harley (Jenny Cheek); granddaughters Kimberly Eckert (Jeff) and Courtney Devlin (Aaron); great-grandchildren Kiley, Lexie, Dayton, and Harley Eckert, and Harrison and Owen Devlin; niece Sally Tope; nephews Dr. Ed Hesterlee and Jim Williams (deceased).
The family wishes to thank the staff at The Forum at Park Lane where she lived for almost 20 years – as well as her devoted caregivers Angie Stewart, Tekila Shields and Yemi Monday – for their loving attention and kindness. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ava United Methodist Church, 945 W. Washington, Ava, MO 65608.
Graveside funeral services for Gwen will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at Ava City Cemetery, Ava, Missouri. Arrangements and services under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.
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SHIRLEY Henley MANN says
August 26, 2020 at 6:58 pmI will always remember her kindness to me when I really needed it,
prayers for the family, there is comfort in memories
Susan (Sanders) Calhoun says
August 26, 2020 at 10:03 pmThoughts and prayers to your family. Fond memories of them as a child at Ava United Methodist Church. I remember she and my Grandma Wilma Reynolds being friends. A sweet lady.
Family of Suzanne Sanders. (Mark and Susan and families)
Sylvia says
August 31, 2020 at 8:59 amI had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Harley a few years ago at The Forum. She loved to read and had great stories to share about her life. Rest In Peace
Dick Harlan says
September 3, 2020 at 3:21 pmLarry, so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of your mother.
Marsha Pettit Cowan says
September 3, 2020 at 4:13 pmI have such fond memories of your mom and dad. They were both such dear friends of my parents (Howard and Marian Pettit). Your momma was such a special lady! Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Fondly, Marsha Pettit Cowan
Harv Sanders says
September 7, 2020 at 11:41 amLarry, most of the deaths in our life leave a hole in our hearts, no matter how long the one we lost might have lived. So, I am sorry for your loss. But what a wonderful, gracious, kind, and beautiful woman your mother was. Not too long ago I saw the Burdett family photograph with your mother, and her sisters, and their parents. What a beautiful family they were. Peace and blessings to all of you. Harv Sanders