Mary Gustin

Mary Josephine Gustin, 81, of Kansas City, spent her later years in Independence, and formerly of Pleasant Hill, was born, May 20, 1935, in Hong Kong, a British Colony of China, the daughter of Phillip and Blancha (Purraga) Neubronner. She departed this life, Monday, November 14, 2016, at her son's home in Centerview, surrounded with love and family.

Mary grew up in Hong Kong where during World War II she and her family were forced to live in a Japanese-Run Concentration Camp. Following the War, she attended Catholic School in Hong Kong where she learned to speak 7 different languages. She later entered the 1952 beauty pageant representing Hong Kong. Mary went on to become an airline stewardess and enjoyed traveling the world over. On August 23, 1965, she was united in marriage to William Jerry Gustin of Pleasant Hill, Missouri in Tokyo, Japan. He survives although are no longer married. They moved to the US Naval Base in Rhode Island, United States in 1966; then moving to Pleasant Hill, Missouri in 1968.

Mary was employed as a secretary for Lake City Army Ammunition Plant retiring in 1992. She had also been employed as a cosmetologist for Macy's. She loved to play bingo, slot machines, and playing cards; she especially enjoyed dining out.

Mary was a two-time cancer survivor.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Steven Michael Sherwood.

She is survived by four children, Mark Gustin of Centerview, Jerrine Gustin of Pleasant Hill, Matt (and Stacy) Gustin of Pleasant Hill, and Josinne Gustin of Pleasant Hill; one sister Terry DaRocha of San Diego, California; 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

Memorial services were be held Friday, November 18, 2016, at the funeral home. Deacon Gary Kappler officiated. Inurnment was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasant Hill Lay-Clergy Council and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Arrangements: Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong, Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816)540-5550.