Vivian Gaddis, 94, passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2019, at the Excelsior Springs Convalescent Center. Her services will be 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 22nd at the Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home in Liberty, Missouri. Friends may call from 11:30 am until service time on Tuesday. Interment will follow the services in New Hope Cemetery. The family requests that any contributions be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.
Vivian was born September 3, 1924 in Ben Davis, Missouri to Nelson James Smart and Gladys Marie (Bellieu) Smart. With the exception of a few months that she lived in California, Vivian was grew up in Mountain Grove Missouri. She moved to the Kansas City area in the early 1940’s and went to work in the Ford Plant making Gliders for the war. In 1950, she went to work packing seed for the Rudy Patrick Seed Company, until they closed in 1973. After the plant closing, she went to work for P. N. Hirsch, where she remained until 1976.
She was a member of the Liberty Church of Christ, and will be remembered fondly for her sweet, gentle nature; she was like a mother to all of her family. In earlier years, she enjoyed the simple life of tending chickens and cows, as well as tending her large garden, where she grew all types of vegetables, which she would later can. As a very family centered woman, Vivian enjoyed spoiling her children and her grandchildren whenever she could. She also enjoyed sewing and cooking; biscuits, cornbread and fried chicken were her specialties.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepmother, Rose Boyd; her husband of 48 years, Kenneth Earl Gaddis when he passed in 1991; a son, Robert Earl Gaddis when he passed in 1988; a daughter, Anna Marie Madden when she passed in 1970; a brother, James Frank Smart when he passed in 2012; and a sister, Nelda Marie Gold when she passed in 1992.
Survivors include 3 children, Erma Altis of Holt, Missouri, Doyle Gaddis of Urich, Missouri, and Delbert Gaddis of Liberty, Missouri; 3 brothers, Lawrance Smart, Linville Smart and Roger Smart; 2 sisters, Maxine Timmons and Alberta Rochester; 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; and 5 great great grandchildren.
Fond memories and condolences may be left by visiting www.churcharcherpasley.com.
