Winifred Beth (Black) Gaston, 91, of Butler MO passed away on August 28, 2024. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Funeral services will follow at 11 am also at Mullinax Funeral Home with burial taking place in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons or to Butler Church of the Nazarene. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
She was born on September 13, 1932, the first of three siblings born to Ernest E. Black and Frankie A. (Gragg) Black. She had two brothers, Donald E. and Robert W. (Bill) Black. Winifred often told of the three children riding their horse to school. They attended the one room schoolhouse named The Black School in honor of the Black family. She graduated from Butler High School in 1950.
June 10, 1951, she was wedded to Floyd W. Gaston of Butler, her husband of 72 years. To this union two daughters were born Carol Ann (Gaston) Burns and Teresa Lynn (Gaston) Brandt.
Winifred had a love for farm animals, fruit trees, and flowers (especially roses) from her time on the farm. She valued education and after she began work as a HeadStart school bus driver and teacher, she went to college taking a class or two at a time. Winifred received her degree in elementary education from Central MO State University in 1980. She spent several years as a substitute teacher in Butler and the surrounding communities. She was also a Weight Watchers clerk for many years.
Winifred had a zest for life and delighted in sharing flowers from her yard and sending cards to encourage and congratulate others. Her passions included her collection of Precious Moments, Christmas ornaments, books, photos and traveling. She enjoyed all types of foods often commenting “that was the best I ever had!”.
Winifred participated in Butler Home Improvement Club, the Adrian Garden Club, church, and community events. She served as Chair of the Bates County Republican Party and participated in Walk for Life. She was a member of the Butler Church of the Nazarene. In her younger years Winifred would visit the elderly and those confined to their homes. She would often pick up children to attend Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and taught VBS for many years. Because she cared for others, she would collect donations from the neighbors to help one another in their time of need.
Her heart’s desire was that all would know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Winifred is preceded in death by her husband, Floyd W. Gaston, her parents, and brother Donald Black. She is survived by her brother Bill Black; her daughters Carol Burns (Buddy) and Teresa Brandt (Keith), grandchildren Lisa Burns Doughty (Mike), Stephen Burns (Jessica), Regina Brandt Apel (Paul) and Carlie Brandt Tucker (Jonathan), twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
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