Elnora Puckett

Mrs. Mary "Elnora" Puckett, age 90, of Holts Summit, Mo., passed away peacefully Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Stonebridge Adams Street Place.
She was born on August 23, 1934, in Jefferson City, Mo., to Sam and Bertha (Smith) Gibson. On July 23, 1951, Elnora was united in marriage to Frank A. Puckett and they were blessed with four children.
Elnora had a deep interest in genealogy. She spent hours researching her family history-visiting archives, walking through cemeteries, and using Ancestry.com to piece together her past. Her interest began after watching Roots, and what started as curiosity turned into a lasting passion that brought her and her family many meaningful discoveries.
She also enjoyed crocheting and spent a lot of time making blankets and handmade gifts for loved ones. Reading was another favorite pastime, especially books by John Grisham-her collection grew to fill several shelves. Elnora also liked to collect cookie jars, with her favorite being one shaped like a little house and proudly displayed a large collection of doll figurines in her home.
Yet, perhaps nothing spoke more to her heart than the time she spent in the kitchen. Her family will always remember her for crafting the perfect pie crust-flaky, tender, and made with love. It was a true art form, passed down with care and remembered with deep affection.
Elnora also had a love for travel. She especially cherished her time out west exploring the grandeur of National Parks like Glacier and Yellowstone. She always dreamed of seeing California's giant Redwoods, and though her husband once mistakenly took her to a smaller grove, they laughed about it together for years to come. Still, her favorite place remained right at home-sitting in her recliner, hand in hand with the love of her life.
Family was the center of Elnora's world. She embodied the word "mom" in every way-nurturing, kind, and endlessly supportive. She was a fun-loving, sweet, and generous soul whose quiet strength and comforting presence were felt deeply by all who knew her. To her grandchildren, she was a source of comfort and reassurance, often reminding them during life's storms, "It will be ok, this too shall pass."
Elnora's legacy is one of love, laughter, and grace. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by everyone blessed to know her.
Survivors include her loving husband of 73 years, Frank; four children, Kathy Clark of Holts Summit, Mo., Frank D. Puckett (Debbie) of Fulton, Mo., Samuel Puckett of Holts Summit, Mo., Jeffrey Puckett of New Bloomfield, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Ricky Clark (Lori), Torie Clark, Jason Puckett, Josh Puckett, Brandon Ruediger (Jana), Douglas Puckett, Trisha Rhodes (Damon); 16 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; ten siblings; one daughter-in-law, Kathy Puckett; two grandchildren, Frank D. Puckett, Jr., and Ryan Puckett; and one great granddaughter, Ashlie Drayke.
Friends and family will be received from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison, Jefferson City, Mo., 65101.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2025, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Ben Montgomery officiating. Interment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2025, for friends and family that are not able to attend by visiting her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website at the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.