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