Racine – Alberta Frances (nee: Bywaters) Gauntt, 88, passed away unexpectedly at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. Alberta was born in Tarkio, MO on January 3, 1921 to the late Franklin W. and Lydia A. (nee: Trayer) Bywaters. She was a proud and tireless homemaker who completely succeeded at her life’s vocation. On September 7, 1963 she was united in marriage with James Julius Gauntt, who preceded her in death on May 24, 1990. Alberta was a member of the American Businesswomen Assn. for over 35 years. Among her interests, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, solving crossword puzzles, travelling and had a great appreciation for birds. Above all, she loved and cherished being in the surroundings of her entire family. Surviving are her children, Francis W. (Sue) Esely of St. Joseph, MO; James D. (Grace) Esely of Wichita, KS; John R. Esely of Racine; Franklyn K. (Diane) Esely and Charles M. (Pamela) Esely, both of St. Joseph, MO; Missy (Bartley) O’Mara of Kenosha, Patty Parman of Melbourne, FL; Michael (Sandy) Gauntt of Racine; 13 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers, Price (Jan) Bywaters of Tarkio, MO; Dave Bywaters of Apache Junction, AZ and Lloyd (Candy) Bywaters of Tarkio, MO; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to her parents and husband, Alberta was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Marsha (Allen “Sonny”) Cooper; and brother, Jimmy (Bonnie) Bywaters. Funeral services will be held at the Meierhoffer Funeral Home in St. Joseph, MO on Monday, March 2, 2009 at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the Meierhoffer Funeral Home on Sunday from 6-8 pm. In memory of Alberta, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
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