Elizabeth Claridge Gillespie

Elizabeth Claridge Gillespie, 80, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia. She was born July 3, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Raymond and Helen (Robinson) Jordan.

Elizabeth's life was marked by love, resilience, service, and dedication to both her family and her profession. She was first united in marriage to Walker Claridge on June 22, 1968. Together they built a loving home and were blessed with eight children: Cash, Matannah, Beau, Walker, Sunday, Dawson, Savannah, and Jake. They shared many years together until his unexpected passing in 1984.

Elizabeth later married Daniel Taylor in 1988. They enjoyed a life together until his death on 1993. She was subsequently united in marriage to John Gillespie, with whom she shared companionship and happiness until his passing in 2004.

In addition to her husbands, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Helen Jordan, and a beloved grandson, Lushen Claridge.

Prior to her retirement, Elizabeth enjoyed a distinguished career as a Missouri licensed funeral director. She devoted many years to serving families at Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City before continuing her work at Mt. Moriah Cemetery and Funeral Home in Kansas City. Elizabeth was among the pioneering women in the funeral profession in Missouri, earning respect through her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to those she served. She approached every family with dignity and care, giving her whole heart to her work.

Outside of her career, Elizabeth embraced life with enthusiasm and generosity. She loved to travel and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. She found particular joy in volunteering with local widows' support groups, offering comfort and companionship to others. A faithful member of Fairview Methodist Church, Elizabeth also enjoyed cheering on the Missouri Tigers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Above all else, she cherished her family. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be treasured for generations.

Elizabeth is survived by her children, Cash Claridge and his wife, Susan, of Colorado; Matannah Claridge of Cincinnati, Ohio; Beau Claridge and his wife, Melissa, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Walker Claridge of Columbia, Missouri; Sunday Nickerson and her significant other, Bob McCosh, of Columbia, Missouri; Dawson Claridge and his wife, Sherri, of Rocheport, Missouri; Savannah Goodwin and her husband, Ron, of Kansas City, Missouri; and Jake Claridge and his wife, Kami, of Anthem, Arizona. She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, Maya, Cale, Jordan, Jesse, Parker, River, Marcus, Lacey, Miles, Jude, Hunter, Kennedy, Liz and MaKenna; eight great-grandchildren; her brother, Richard Jordan of Washington; her step-mother, Marion Spengler, of Colorado, her stepbrother, John Inman and his wife, Deanna, of Colorado; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri.

Family and friends are invited to share words of comfort and support during a visitation on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia. Funeral services celebrating Elizabeth's life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, committal prayers and private inurnment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia.

Elizabeth leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, faith, and love. She touched countless lives throughout her years and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.