Gyla Kay Ussery, 69, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away on May 4, 2026, in the comfort of her family’s home, surrounded by those who loved her, following a battle with metastatic cancer. The family plans to hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Community LINC at www.communitylinc.org.
Gyla was born on October 31, 1956, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Kenneth C. and Hattie Louise Ussery. She worked hard throughout her life to provide for her two daughters, Lindsay and Casey, creating a foundation of love.
She enjoyed gardening, planting flowers, knitting, crocheting, and cooking, and had a strong interest in real estate, often finding joy in walking through homes and envisioning their potential. This passion led her to remodeling and eventually to the Lake Lotawana community, where she found connection with both the homes and the people.
Gyla’s life, like many, included both meaningful moments and personal challenges. Those who knew and loved her hold space for all that she was—a woman who lived fully and loved her family.
Gyla was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth C. Ussery.
She is survived by her daughters, Lindsay Maasen and husband Gary of Oak Grove, Casey Haase and husband Jonathan of Blue Springs, Christy Steinmuller and husband Derek of Prairie Grove, AR, and Carrie Guier and husband Greg of Sweet Springs, who were raised together as sisters; her mother, Hattie Ussery; her sister, Tina Franklin and husband Wade of Oak Grove; Debbie Deke and husband Tom of Concordia, parents of Christy and Carrie; the girls’ father, Chris Kappelman and wife Paula; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri
Cathy Hammer
6 May 2026My deepest sympathy to the Ussery family!
Kathy Wooden
6 May 2026TO THE FAMILY OF GYLA SHE WAS ALWAYS A RAY OF SUN SHINE EVEN WHEN SHE WAS A KID HER MOM AND DAD WENT TO THE LOCAL CHURCH IN MAYVIEW MO FRIST BAPTIST CHURCH WHERE MY GRANDMA AND GRANDPA REDHAGE WENT I AM 7 YEARS YOUNGER THEN HER I ALWAYS LOOK UP TO HER LIKE A BIG SISTER THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ME WAS PART OF MINE FROM FISH FRYS AND SUNDAY SCHOOL AND CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WHEN EVER I WAS THEUR WITH MY GRANDMA AND GRANDPA THAT FAMILY WAS TO HER PARENTS DID AMAZING JOB RAISING HER TO BECAUSE WHO SHE WAS , THE LAST TIME I SAW HER IN PERSON WAS AT LOWES IN BLUE SPRING MO 1995 OR SO AND SHE SAW ME FROM THEM PAINTING ROW AND YELL KATHY REDHAGE IS THAT YOU I SAID IT SURE IS SHE SAID I BET YOU DO NOT KNOW WHO I AM I SAID GYLA USSERY SHE SMLED AND SAID IT BEEN A WHILE I SAID SURE HAS TRULY MADE MY DAY STILL TODAY , TO THE MOM YOU ARE AMAZING LADY YOU AND KENNY DID A FINE JOB RAISE YOUR LITTLE FAMILY NOW IT HAS GROWN SHE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED AND YOU ALL HAVE MY CONDOLENCES WILL CONTINUE PRAYING ALONG EXTRA PRAYERS TO GET YOU THROUGH THESE DAYS THE LORD WILL FOR SURE SHINE HIS FACE ON YOU ALL AND GIVE YOU PEACE TAKE CARE A DEAR FRIEND KATHY REDHAGE WOODEN DAUGHTER OF BILL AND FAYE REDHAGE! WITH LOVE ❤️
Jeff Kirchhoff
6 May 2026Gyla was a wonderful lady. I was honored to know her and her family. Please know your family is in my prayers
Janice Lohoefener
6 May 2026Hattie, please know that Gerald and I are thinking of you, the extended families, and her friends, condolences to all.
Patty & Ed Nuelle
12 May 2026You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences.
Patty & Ed Nuelle
12 May 2026You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences.