Virginia K. Gehlert

Virginia (Ginny) Katherine Gehlert, age 86, of Belle passed away on August 3, 2022, at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia with her family by her side.

She was born in Salem, Missouri, a daughter of the late Enos Joe Arnold and Mary Ann King.

She was united in marriage to Thomas E. Gehlert of Belle on July 20, 1959. Together, they raised seven children.

Ginny was 76 when health issues forced her into retirement. She had worked in various factories in the area throughout this time. She enjoyed embroidery, reading, listening to music, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She made her profession in Christ on June 13, 1982, and was baptized on July 11, 1982, at the First Baptist Church in Belle. She was an active member of the church.

Ginny is survived by her children Billy Cooksey (Valerie), Mike Cooksey (Diane), Debbie Sherman, Laura Gehlert, Tom Gehlert (Heather Haley), and Mark Gehlert (Gloria). Thirteen grandchildren, Samantha Opperman (Mike Avitts), Trisha Adkerson (Joel), Christina Gant (Bobby), Tiffany Howard (Rob), Melanie Cooksey, Tim McDonald (Tasha), Jennifer Lowery, Amanda Cooksey, T.C. Thompson (June), Jamie Cooper (Jarret Struemph), Mitchell Thompson (Keisha), Joe Sherman (Samantha), Chelsea Bradford, Trevor Gehlert, Taylor Gehlert (Jat Ridenhour), Cameron Gehlert, and Marissa Gehlert, She is also survived by one sister, Mildred (Micki) Heggs (Dayton, MD), twenty great grandchildren, four great‑great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Ginny was preceded in death by her husband Tom Gehlert, son Clarence Cooksey, siblings, Helen Parker, Gene King, JoAnne Daniels, granddaughter, Sabrina Cooksey, and great granddaughter, Jazzmin Buxton.

Visitation for Ginny will be held from 10:00 – noon and her funeral will start at noon on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at the First Baptist Church in Belle with Robert Trigo officiating. Interment will be at the Liberty Church of Christ in Belle.