Travis Funeral Chapel

Kathy East, 82, of La Plata, MO, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at University Hospital, Columbia, MO as a result of injuries from an auto accident on Sunday, January 7, 2018.

Kathy was born, November 7, 1935 in her grandparent’s home west of Pleasant Hill, MO She was the daughter of Melvin C. and Hilda M. Borer Sadler who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a brother Joe Sadler and a daughter-in-law, Gayle East. She graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in May 1953 and William Jewel College May 1957 with a degree in Sociology. On June 1, 1957, she married Stanley B. East, Jr. and they celebrated 60 years together on June 1, 2017. Stan survives.

Also surviving are 3 sons, Stan M.”Rabbi” East (Lynnette) of La Plata, MO; Ronald F. “Fred” East, Independence, MO, and Kevin R. East (Tracey) of La Plata, MO; 7 grandchildren, Stephen J. “Joey” Sadler (Amy) of Raytown, MO, Adina V. East and Stephanie RM Carpenter (Jason), Lee’s Summit, MO, Jamie L. Byrd, Columbia, MO, Jason K. Robinson (Candy) of La Plata, MO, Cameron R. East (Elizabeth) of Brashear, MO, and Lauren K. East, La Plata, MO; 14 Great Grandchildren, Chris, Tim and Emily Sadler, Trinity East, Avery Cambron, Gavin and Presley Miranda, Jax and Quinley Robinson, Kiesha March, Gwendolyn and Violet Carpenter, and Brysen and Brynlee East; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, Cabe Smith and Kylynn March.

Kathy and Stan moved to La Plata in 1964 when Stan accepted the call as minister of La Plata Christian Church. In 1976, Kathy became an EMT and for many years she was “on call” with Stan. She also accepted the position of Social Services Director for the La Plata Nursing Home and later added the title of Activities Director as well. In 1985, she became secretary for Kirksville First Christian Church. In 1997, she became a secretary at KCOM now ATSU. Kathy was also the secretary at all of the churches Stan served.

Kathy remained active in the community with such things as the La Plata Fire Dept. and the Hands of Friendship Quilt Guild at Kirksville. Kathy was well known for her cinnamon rolls which were used as donations for community projects. Kathy and Stan were also the Grand Marshalls for the 2017 Soybean Festival Parade, an honor that they happily accepted. Kathy was also a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Macon, MO. She and Stan spent many hours making lap robes for the “Lap Robes 4 Veterans Project” Stan designs, cuts and lays them out, while Kathy did all the sewing.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 9:30 – 11:30 at the La Plata Christian Church, with a memorial service immediately following. Burial to follow at the La Plata Cemetery. Memorials may be made to La Plata Christian Ministries, Hands of Friendship Quilt Guild, Macon First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or La Plata Fire Department. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis Funeral Chapel, 125 S. Church St., La Plata, MO 63549.