LaVerta K. Skidmore, better known as "Kay" passed away Friday, April 17, 2009 at her home after fighting a long illness at the age of 69. Born June 4, 1939 in Seiling, Oklahoma, she was the first child of the late Cecil and LaRayne Brown. After moving to Springfield. Kay attended Central High School where she was a member of the Kilties and swim team. After graduation from high school, Kay met and married G. Paul Skidmore -the love of her life- and they settled in to raise their two children: Rick and Brenda. She and her husband enjoyed life to the fullest during their nearly forty-six years of marriage. A long time resident of Springfield, Kay had many friends and belonged to numerous organizations and clubs through the years. She was a lifetime member of Elks Lodge Ladies Auxiliary. In addition to being a loving wife and nurturing mother, Kay enjoyed: bowling, swimming, water ballet, traveling, fishing and gambling. Kay and Paul spent most of their time in Rice Camp at Table Rock Lake. Kay always had a bright smile to light up any room and a funny joke to bring a smile to even the saddest face and a helping hand to anyone in need. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. She is preceded in death by her parents, her grandmother, "Granny" Catherine and her granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Skidmore. Kay is survived by; her husband, Paul; her grandfather, Edmund "Bud" Gott of Branson; her son, Rick Skidmore and his daughters; Courtney, Lindsey, Skylar and Lilyanne; her daughter and her husband Brenda and Tito Rivera and their children, Brandy, Bronson, Tiffany and Matt; a great grand-daughter, Chloe Marie; two nieces, KerriLynn Tally and Cassie Turner and their children. Kay also leaves behind very dear, life long friends, Ron and Sara Henderson and Bob Cruse. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 12:30 pm April 21, 2009 at Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, Mo. 65804. The family asks that donations be sent to Community Hospices of America, 1465 E. Primrose Ave. Springfield, Mo. 65804 in heart felt thanks for the care and support given to Kay and her family during her illness.
