Deborah Gatz

Mass of Christian Burial for Deborah Ann Gatz, 59, Joplin, Mo., took place Monday, Oct. 4, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial was in Osborne Memorial Cemetery.
Mrs. Gatz died Friday Oct. 1, 2010, at St. John’s Regional Medical Center following a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born Dec. 31, 1950, in Kansas City, Kan., the daughter of Clifton B. and Mary K. (Ehlen) DeMoss. She was a resident of Joplin since 1988. Mrs. Gatz graduated from Washington High School in Kansas City, Kan., in 1968. In 1972 she received a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising from Kansas State University. She married Ronald F. Gatz on Feb. 17, 1973. They have three children. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Alpha Xi Delta, Twin Hill’s Country Club, Twin Hill’s Ladies Golf Association and the Century Study Club. She enjoyed playing bridge and golfing.
She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Ronald F. Gatz, Joplin; three children, Veronica (Jeff) Scheurich, Joplin, Jonathan (Felicia) Gatz, Prairie Village, and Jason (Jaclyn) Gatz, Columbia, Mo.; her parents, Clifton B. and Mary K. DeMoss, Basehor; father-in-law, Bernard C. Gatz, Halstead; a sister, Jan Dowell and the late Gregory Dowell, Shawnee; a brother, Chip (Sue) DeMoss, Basehor; and two grandchildren.
Contributions may be given to St. Vincent de Paul Society to assist those in need, in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Chapel.