Gwendolyn Counts was born October 30, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Alfred L. Gansert and Colleen Gansert. Gwen went to live with the Lord on November 27, 2020. She was united in marriage with Thomas J. Counts on May 27, 1967, at Eminence, Missouri, and to this union, three children were born.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Colleen Gansert; one brother, Alfred Gansert, Jr.; one sister Kate Phegley.

She is survived by three daughters, Gidget E. Banks and husband Tim of Eminence, MO, Trixie R. Braden and husband Gary of Saddlebrook, MO and Rebecca Counts of Hershey, PA; one sister, Connie Siglow of Union City, TN; one brother, Herman Gansert of Bellville, IL; four grandchildren, T.J. Banks and wife Courtney, Ryan Banks and wife Natalie, Abby, and Madi Braden; three great-grandchildren, Ellie, Raynie and Adalie Banks; along with several nieces and nephews.

Gwen retired from working with Missouri Home Care for several years. She was active in the Order of the Eastern Star for many years. She served as every chair and was Worthy Matron.

Gwen served as President of the Chamber of Commerce. She helped organize several events while serving.

Gwen had a loving heart and was very generous with her time and money. She gave regularly to many charities in Eminence as well as charities in the surrounding area. She was a volunteer at Ozark Medical Thrift Store in Mountain View and also Two Rivers Thrift Store in Eminence.

Gwen loved the Lord and was baptized at West Eminence Christian Church.  She loved to travel and enjoyed her many collections of teapots, plates, and cookie jars.

She loved her children and grandchildren dearly. She was a loving wife and mother. She was loved and respected by her family. Gwen will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2020, at Yarber Mortuary in Eminence, Missouri with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in Lone Pine (Piatt) Cemetery, Timber, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com .