Mary Katherine “Kathy” Sadler East
Kathy East, 82, of LaPlata, MO, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at University Hospital, Columbia, MO as a result of injuries from an auto accident on Sunday, January 7, 2018.

Kathy was born, November 7, 1935 in her grandparent’s home west of Pleasant Hill, MO She was the daughter of Melvin C. and Hilda M. Borer Sadler. She graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in May 1953 and entered William Jewel College, Liberty, MO in 1955, graduating in May 1957 with a degree in Sociology. June 1, 1957 she married Stanley B. East, Jr. and they celebrated 60 years together June 1, 2017. Stan survives.

Also surviving are 3 sons: Stan M.”Rabbi” East (Lynnette), LaPlata, MO; Ronald F. “Fred” East, Independence, MO, and Kevin R. East (Tracey), LaPlata, MO 7 grandchildren: Stephen J. “Joey” Sadler (Amy), Raytown, MO; Adina V. East and Stephanie RM Carpenter (Jason), Lee’s Summit, MO; Jamie L. Byrd, Columbia, MO; Jason K. Robinson (Candy), LaPlata, MO; Cameron R. East (Elizabeth), Brashear, MO; and Lauren K. East, LaPlata, MO 14 Great Grandchildren: Chris, Tim & Emily Sadler, Trinity East, Avery Cambron, Gavin & Presley Miranda, Jax & Quinley Robinson, Kiesha March, Gwendolyn & Violet Carpenter and Brysen & Brynlee East. 2 Great Great Grandchildren: Cabe Smith and Kylynn March.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents & grandparents, her brother Joe Sadler in January 1998 and a daughter in law, Gayle East in March 2017

Kathy & Stan moved to LaPlata in 1964 when Stan accepted the call as minister of LaPlata Christian Church. In 1976, Kathy became an EMT and for many years she was “on call” with Stan. She also accepted the position of Social Services Director for the LaPlata Nursing Home and later added the title of Activities Director as well. In 1985, Kathy left the Nursing Home to become the full-time secretary for Kirksville First Christian Church. In 1997, she became a secretary at KCOM, now ATSU.

Since fully retiring November 30, 2000, Kathy has remained active in the community with such things as the LaPlata Fire Dept, and she was well known for her Cinnamon Rolls, which were used as donations for many community projects. Kathy and Stan were also the Grand Marshalls for the 2017 Soybean Festival Parade. An honor that they happily accepted.

Kathy was a member of the First Christian Church (DOC), Macon, MO and the Hands of Friendship Quilt Guild at Kirksville. She and Stan spent many hours making lap robes for the “Lap Robes 4 Veterans Project” Stan designs, cuts and lays them out, while Kathy did all the sewing.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 9:30 – 11:30, with a memorial service immediately following, with burial in the LaPlata Cemetary immediately after the service. Memorials may be made to Travis Funeral Chapel, LaPlata, MO for the LaPlata Christian Ministries, Hands of Friendship Quilt Guild, Macon First Christian Church (DOC), or LaPlata Fire Dept.