Kathleen Joyce Lionberger, 79, of Middletown, passed away at 7:22 a.m., Thursday, April 6, 2017 at her home, with her family by her side.

Mrs. Lionberger was born November 4, 1937, in Middletown, Missouri, a daughter of Elton Henry and Genevieve Rose (Martin) Wenneker.

She had attended Bowling Green High School until her junior year, but after the school changed their boundaries she attended Wellsville High School where she graduated in 1956.

On December 14, 1957, in Mexico, Missouri, she married Richard Harvey Lionberger. They celebrated over 56 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on May 23, 2014.

Prior to marriage, Kathleen had worked as a secretary at the Elementary School in Middletown. She had lived all of her life in Middletown and was instrumental in helping her husband on the farm.

Kathleen was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church and WMU (Women's Missionary Union). She was also very active in the Harmony Club for a number of years. Kathleen was a member of Middletown Garden Club. She was involved with 4-H most of her life, first as a member and later as a club and project leader, teaching woodworking and sewing.

She enjoyed gardening, sewing, crocheting, quilting and growing flowers. Kathleen loved babysitting her grandchildren and always had time to run them to their school functions and activities.

Kathleen is survived by her daughters, Karla Kay Jones and husband, Russell, of Middletown and Deana Lynn Dillon and Greg Miller, of Olney; son, Martin Shane "Marty" Lionberger and wife, Sara, of Middletown; eight grandchildren, Christopher Richard Jones and Stephanie McGrew, of Middletown, Karilyne Leann Jones, of Bolivar, Tara Lynn Kirtley, of Sedalia, Maggie Cary Kirtley, of Wentzville, Kimberly Allison Dillon, of Elsberry and Taylor Adelaide Lionberger, Jordan Nicole Lionberger and Brooke Addison Lionberger, of Middletown; three great-grandchildren, Silas Lee Jones, of Middletown, Roman Wade Deak, of Elsberry and Cora Lou Salazar, of Sedalia and brother, Elton Gene Wenneker, of Mexico.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Richard Harvey Lionberger; sister-in-law, Arlene Wenneker and brothers-in-law, Gerald Wayne "Jerry" Lionberger and Norman Eugene Lionberger.

Visitation was held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 9, 2017 at the Myers Funeral Home in Middletown.

Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 10, 2017 at Hopewell Baptist Church in rural Wellsville. Rev. Gary Harrelson officiated. Serving as pianist was Mary Ellen Wilkinson. Special music was provided by Larry Dunn and Julie Gatson and John Foster and Tara Calton.

Burial was in Fairmount Cemetery in Middletown, Missouri. Serving as pallbearers were Mark Baugh, Nathan Carroz, Chris Jones, Mike Lionberger, Marty Maxwell and Lindell Spiers.

Memorial contributions were suggested to Middletown Community Center, Hopewell Baptist Church – "WMU" or Helen Reagan Cancer Fund c/o Myers Funeral Home, 203 East Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.

Service Information