Mary Kathleen Larkins February 5, 1923 - September 8, 2017

Kathleen Larkins made a loving impression on family and friends for 94 years. On Friday morning, September 8, 2017, she joined her Lord and Savior in heaven. She passed away in the comfort of her home of 50+ years in Springfield, Missouri. She was born on February 5, 1923 in Okema, Oklahoma the daughter of Lehman and Alfretta Wilson. She married Eual Larkins on November 30, 1941 and they lived happily ever after for 61 years. Together they raised two children, Sam Larkins and Glenda Lathrom. She was a lifelong, devoted member of Cassidy United Methodist Church in Nixa, Missouri and member of United Methodist Women. She was well-known for her love of St. Louis Cardinals baseball. She recently won Springfield News Leader’s Best Fan Ever local contest and was nominated for USA Today’s Best Fan Ever national contest. She loved talking Cardinals baseball! She was lovingly known as Ga-Gaw (pronounced “Gah-Gawe; not GaGa”). Her nickname was coined by her grandchildren attempting to pronounce Grandma at a young age. She proudly used her nickname as her identity everywhere she went. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents Lehman and Alfretta; brother Lehman; loving husband Eual; caring son Sam; adored son-in-law Dick; protective dog Boomer and many other close relatives and beloved friends. Kathleen is survived by her only daughter Glenda Lathrom; four grandchildren Ashley Lind and husband Jake Lind, Gary Wood and wife Jessica Wood, Richie Lathrom and wife Tracy Lathrom; Jeremey Lathrom; two great grandchildren Eva and Addison Lathrom; and many caring relatives and great friends as well as her faithful companion Peanut. Everyone who crossed her path was blessed by her love and pure joy. We love you Ga-Gaw. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 12, 2017 in Cassidy United Methodist Church, 5151 N. Fremont Road, Nixa, Missouri 65714 with Reverend Charlene Dart officiating. Burial will follow in Hopedale Cemetery, Ozark, Missouri. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Monday, September 11, 2017 in the church. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made in Kathleen’s name to Cassidy United Methodist Church building fund. Arrangements under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.