Emma Mae (Staton) Gehlken was born May 16, 1941, in Prineville, Oregon, to David and Dorothy Staton. She departed this life on June 26, 2025, at age 84.

Emma was united in marriage on December 23, 1959, to James Joseph (Jim) Gehlken in Birch Tree, Missouri. To their union are three children, Becky, Jimmie, and Julie.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Gehlken; parents, David and Dorothy Staton; in-laws, Joe and Doris Gehlken; brother, Glen Staton; granddaughter, Kristian Gehlken; brothers-in-law, Larry Gehlken, William Gehlken, and William Eudy; and son-in-law, Elray Haselhuhn.

Emma is survived by her three children, Becky Haselhuhn of Mountain View, MO, Jimmie Gehlken (Theresa) of Mountain View, MO, and Julie Kern of Knob Noster, MO; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters, Blanche Reese (Kenny) of Birch Tree, MO and Glenda Eudy of Mountain View, MO; sisters-in-law, Deborah Bradley (John) of Platte City, MO, and Tisha Staton of Mountain View, MO; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Emma's father, Dave, was born and raised in Birch Tree, Missouri. Emma's parents moved back home to Mountain View, Missouri, from Oregon when she was a child. She graduated from Mountain View High School in 1959. After meeting Jim through a pen pal program for those in the military, they married in December 1959. Emma then traveled the world with Jim while he was in the Air Force, settling back in Mountain View in 1982 when Jim retired. When Jim became a truck driver after military retirement, Emma enjoyed keeping him company. She dedicated much of her time in later years volunteering at various local organizations, primarily Mercy Thrift Store in Mountain View. Emma was a long-time member of Mountain View Christian Church where she enjoyed setting up for and attending Sunday school. She loved helping anyone she could. If Emma heard of someone in need, she was one of the first to show up with whatever she could to help. She loved spending time with family, making cakes, and providing comic relief at family get togethers. Emma was known for being ornery and always having a snappy comeback. She was a tough lady that wouldn't let anyone tell her she couldn't do something. She was a leader of her family and was dedicated to church, family, and friends.

Emma will be greatly missed by all those that knew her, but her legacy will carry on through her family that adopted her quick wit and orneriness.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.