Mary Gay Huff

Mary Gay Huff, 71, of New London, MO passed away at 4:53 PM Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Hannibal Regional Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, February 4, 2016, at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Pastor Tom Day and Rev. Kevin Ford will officiate. Burial will be at the Barkley Cemetery in New London, MO. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Mary Gay was born on August 20, 1944, in Hannibal, MO the daughter of James and Virginia Faye (Caldwell) Lemon. She was married to Michael "Mike" E. Huff on August 17, 1968, at the New London First Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Mike Huff of the home, two daughters, Michelle Lewton and husband Steve of Hannibal, MO and Monica Huff of New London, MO, four grandchildren, Maygan Huff, Austin Lewton, Nathan Lewton and Abby Lewton, one brother, James L. Lemon and wife Marylee of New London, MO, one sister Sandra Sue Clark of Columbia, MO, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mary Gay was preceded in death by one brother, Charles William Lemon. Mary Gay graduated from Mark Twain High School in the class of 1962. She went on to further her education at the University of Missouri where she played the clarinet in the Marching Mizzou Band. Mary Gay was an avid Mizzou fan. In 1966 she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Home Economics with a minor in Science. Mary Gay taught Home Economics at Bowling Green High School in 1966 and 1967. After teaching she started raising her family and taking care of the family farm while her husband was at work during the day. She was co-owner and operator of 4-M Farm, New London. Mary Gay was very active in 4-H. She served as club leader and project leader in sewing and cooking. She also served on the MU Extension Council, was a member of the Feminist Click Club, and served on the Farm Bureau State Delegate Team. Mary Gay and Mike were honored as the Farm Bureau Family of the Year. Mary Gay also enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, canning, working on the farm whether it be feeding the animals or driving a piece of machinery or having the local elementary children come spend a day observing a farm day at their farm. "Granny" or "Gee" as she was called by her grand-children enjoyed playing Hide-and-Go-Seek with them on her John Deere Gator or a simple game of Go Fish or Connect Four. Mary Gay was a member of the First Baptist Church in New London. Pallbearers will be Steve Lewton, Austin Lewton, Nathan Lewton, James Lemon, Jamey Lemon, David Houchins, Sam Huff and Chad Huff. Honorary pallbearers will be William Epperson, Buzzy Tobin, Harold Elder, Dale Glascock, Brad Sanders, John Huff and Roger Huff. Memorial contributions may be made to the New London Rural Fire Department, in care of the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com .