Mary Lorene Fisher

Mary Lorene (Gerkey) Fisher passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 4:17 a.m. Mary was born in Clinton, Missouri to John and Mary Francis Gerkey on October 6, 1939. Mary met the love of her life, Raymond, while they were still in elementary school. Their childhood friendship grew into a lifelong love story, and together they built a beautiful life, raising their three sons, Kenneth, Allan, and Lester. Mary proudly supported Raymond throughout his 20-year career in the United States Air Force. Their military journey took them from Missouri to France, Virginia, Germany, California, and South Dakota, with several returns home to Missouri along the way. During Raymond's deployment to Vietnam, Mary remained in Higginsville, lovingly raising their boys with the support of family. Following Raymond's retirement from the Air Force, they returned to Missouri, where they made their permanent home. Throughout her life, Mary worked in several different occupations. During high school, she worked at Galloway's Jewelry in Higginsville and later at the Higginsville Garment Factory. While living in California, she earned her cosmetology license. Above all, however, Mary considered being a wife, mother, and farm wife to be her greatest calling. She concluded her working career at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence before retiring. Mary had many talents and hobbies. She loved cooking and baking and was known for preparing gourmet dishes inspired by recipes she learned while living overseas. She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed crafting and working with ceramics. She loved listening to old country music and hymns, enjoyed RV trips into Canada with Raymond, and found great joy in spending time outdoors, especially taking walks. More than anything, Mary cherished her family. She loved being at home surrounded by those she loved and adored her grandchildren, Jeremy, Ryan, Michelle, Raymond, Kaleb, and Chad. She was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. A few years after Raymond's passing, Mary moved into Magnolia Manor, where she enjoyed the friendships and community she found there. She dedicated much of her time to serving others through Vacation Bible School, the Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, the Classic Shop, and Sunday School. Mary had a servant's heart and was always willing to care for neighbors, friends, family members, or anyone in need. As her health began to decline and she struggled with memory loss, Mary eventually became a resident of a nursing home, where she received compassionate care. Throughout her life, she remained a faithful Baptist all her life. She rarely missed a worship service and especially treasured her Ladies' Bible Study classes. For many years, Mary quietly served her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. Her gentle spirit, loving heart, and example of selfless service will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Raymond Lee Fisher; her son, Kenneth Lee Fisher; her parents, John and Mary Francis Gerkey; and her brother, Daryl Gerkey. She is survived by her sons Allan (Mary) Fisher, Lester (Reba) Fisher; four brothers, John (Val) Gerkey, Bill (Ruby) Gerkey, Jerry (Billie) Gerkey, Jim Gerkey; The family will receive friends from 10AM-11AM on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will follow at 11AM at First Baptist Church. Interment will follow in City Cemetery. Casket bearers: Jeremy Fisher, Ryan Fisher, Will Herron, Kaleb Clater, Tray Herron, Zayden Fisher. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer Foundation of America.

Mary Lorene Fisher

October 6, 1939 - July 22, 2026