Cleta Mae Mahurin 97 of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at the Manor Care Nursing Home in Kirksville, MO.

Born in Kirksville, MO on February 3, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Melvin and Myrtle (Burkhart) Roberts.

On October 19, 1940 Cleta was united in marriage to Wilfred Mahurin who preceded her in death on December 29, 1993. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Loetta Wilson, grandson, Danny Snitker, and son-in-law Jerry Abernathy.

Cleta is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Carmelita and Archie Horrell of Wenatchee, WA, two sons and one daughter-in-law, Laverne and Sherry Mahurin of Kirksville, MO, Dean Mahurin of Hanna City, IL, two daughters and one son-in-law, Linda Abernathy of Evant, TX, Judy and Don Blakely of Georgetown, TX; six grandchildren, Lisa Snitker of Mt. Vernon, MO, Stacy Harper of Georgetown, TX, Brandi Mahurin and Brian Wright of Milwaukee, WI, David Mahurin of Peoria, IL, Amy Blakely of Austin, TX, Jennifer Saavedra and husband Ruben of Leander, TX; five great-grandchildren, Dalton and Zach Harper of Georgetown, TX, Gracy Thompson of Leander, TX, Julia and Ryann Saavedra of Leander, TX; one sister-in-law, Darlene Parsons of Burlington, IA, as well as many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cleta was a lifelong resident of Adair County and received her elementary education at the East Center rural school. Her father and children attended the same school. She was a graduate of Kirksville High School and also had a Cosmetology degree. She was an active member of the East Center church. Cleta loved her garden and enjoyed cooking and canning as well as growing many beautiful flowers. She crocheted and was a very good seamstress. She enjoyed caring for the chickens and other various animals on the farm. She was especially devoted and proud of her husband and children.

Cleta worked at the J.C. Penney Co for 27 years until her retirement at which time she and Wilfred moved from their farm to Kirksville, MO. They loved to travel and visited all 50 states. Cleta was a volunteer for many organizations and a member of RSVP . She received the U.S. President’s Award for her outstanding years of volunteerism. She served over 30 years of giving of her time and to serve others. In 2011 Cleta moved to Highland Crest Assisted Living where she continued to volunteer, helping in any capacity. While at Highland Crest she had many cherished friends. Her fondest memories were attending church, being with family and friends, and playing bingo.

Cleta will be remember as a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend who will be forever missed.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 27, 2018 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home Chapel in Kirksville, with family receiving friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m..

Funeral services will be held 1:00 o’clock, Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Pastor John Davison officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Mulberry Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Cleta Mahurin may be made to Mulberry Cemetery or the East Center Church and may be left or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.