Marjorie Ellen McAfee

Marjorie Ellen McAfee, age 97, of Gallatin, Missouri, passed away March 8, 2021 at Greenwood Terrace in Lenexa, Kansas, surrounded by family.
 

Marge was born February 29, 1924 to Elias B. and Pearl R. Payne in North Kansas City, MO.   Her family later moved to Gallatin, MO.  Marge lived in California for several years, but moved back to Gallatin to help care for her ailing father and to run the family jewelry store. She met the great love of her life, Oliver Wallace (Tut) McAfee when he was a pall bearer at her father's funeral. Tut had returned home to Gallatin after serving in the US Army during WWII. They were united in marriage in Gallatin on October 6, 1946. The couple made their home in Gallatin for several years before moving to Branson, MO and later to Liberty, MO. In 1993 the couple moved to Lake Viking, Gallatin. They were happily married for 65 years until his death on September 11, 2011.
Marge loved to entertain, whether it was a lavish party for her husband's business associates, a high school reunion, or a small party for church or club members. She was well known for elegant table settings, creative themes and delicious food. Marge led a life of service. She and Tut were active members of the Presbyterian Church in Gallatin and she served as an elder in the church after moving to Lake Viking. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Girl Scout Leader, Vacation Bible School leader, member of the Eastern Star and a member of the Modern '49ers and T.T.T. Society service clubs. She looked after elderly relatives, taking them to doctors appointments and making sure they had everything they needed. When relatives and friends moved to the Daviess County Nursing and Rehab facility, she visited them and other residents regularly, always taking home-baked treats and other goodies. She would often dress up in her clown costume to entertain the residents at parties.
 

Marge was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings Burris Howard Payne, Jack Payne, Rich Payne, David Payne and Dorothy Tener.
 

Marge is survived by her daughters, Marna Olson and husband Carl of Portland, OR, Cynthia Ayers of Gettysburg, PA, Melinda Kenney and husband Joe of Olathe, KS, and her son, Oliver Wallace (Tut) McAfee, Jr. and wife Julie of Excelsior Springs MO; 3 grandchildren, Jeremy McAfee and wife Jaime, Richard Pyeatt and wife Brandi, and Sarah Pyeatt; and 3 great-grandchildren, Nadia Rickman, Dayne Reale and Violet McAfee.
 

Marge will be interred next to her husband at the Lake Viking Cemetery. The family has not scheduled services at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin, MO. (660) 663-2117. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com 
 

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