Gena Kay Love

On Tuesday, December 14, 2021, Gena Love surprised us all by quietly slipping from this world with whispers of "we love you" and "I'm so lucky you were my Mom" in her ears. Mom showed up at the Pearly Gates with a new hairdo and freshly manicured nails after spending a joy-filled weekend shopping for gifts and laughing over card games with her family.
Her pride and joy were a family she built with Robert Love, including Matthew and Mindy Love and grandchildren Emma Bryant, Garrett Love, AnaClaire Bryant, and Adam Love. She had so much fun watching them grow into the intelligent, loving, and kind people they are today. She rarely, if ever, missed a ballet recital, football game, Grandparent's Day, or graduation.
Gena loved the Lord dearly and raised her family to believe in Him. She was fortunate to have such a close, loving church family that she also shared with her late son Matthew, who was also actively involved. A gifted cook, she took great joy in preparing meals for Vacation Bible School, fish fries, and Wednesday evening dinners. She loved her church family dearly.
Preceded in death by her parents Edward and Geraldine McIntosh, Gena cherished her siblings and their families: Mike and Donna Pinegar, Steve and Linda McIntosh, and Craig and Myra Godsey. She was never one to miss a fun filled family event, often bringing goodies and staying to help clean up while sharing stories over the kitchen sink. They've been great company and a loving foundation of support throughout her life.
Gena was blessed with many friends. She loved them all, from high school girlfriends (Carol, Cecilia, Dot, Donna, Juanita, Linda, and Pat) to her Sunday night prayer circle (Ray, John, Linda, and Gary). One of her best friends, Martha Ogle, beat her to heaven by one day. (Martha won this one, Mom, let it go.) So much love to Donna Owensby and her family for treating Mom as their own. While we will miss her smile, humor, kind-hearted and sassy spirit, Gena's memory fills us with love and peace for a life well-lived.
A celebration of Gena's life will be held on Saturday, December 18 at 10 am, at Strafford First Baptist Church, 400 South Madison Street, Strafford, MO, 65757. In place of flowers, donations may be made to The Strafford Senior Center at 201 W Bumgarner Blvd, Strafford, MO 65757. A bedrock of many rural communities, Mom volunteered
much of her time there over the years. Donations will support the many friends and families who regularly use this vital community resource.