Brenda Laura McConnaughey

Brenda Laura McConnaughey, 58, Nevada, passed away Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, at the Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan., following a brief illness. She was born Nov. 21, 1953, in Nevada, to Eldon Elston Garton and Rosalee Smith Garton. She was married March 4, 1977, in Miami, Okla., to James McConnaughey and he survives of the home.

Brenda was born and raised in the Nevada area and spent all her life here. She graduated from Nevada High School in 1972. She worked for many years at the Vernon County Clerk's office in Nevada. She was very active in local 4-H and was a passionate bowler. Brenda was involved with the Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund, and always participated in the Vernon County Relay for Life. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Nevada.

In addition to her husband Jim, survivors include one son, P.D. McConnaughey and his fiancé, Tara Gray, Nevada; two daughters, Jamie Vantellman, Nevada, and Lori McConnaughey and her fiancé, Doug Chadd, Nevada; 15 grandchildren, Bryson McConnaughey, Addison McConnaughey, Colin McConnaughey, Cale McConnaughey, Chance Gray, Alexa Gray, Coleton Vantellman, Avery Vantellman, Shelby Vantellman, Seath Chadd, Dalton Chadd, Dillon Chadd, Austin Chadd, Koby Chadd, and Lailee Chadd; three brothers, Norman Garton and his wife, Vicky, Varian Garton and his wife, Connie, and Larry Garton and his wife, March, all of Nevada.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 6, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with Brian Keith officiating. Interment will follow at Richland Cemetery, Richards, Mo.

Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, and the family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, Jan. 5, between 7 and 8 p.m.

Contributions may be made to either Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund or to Vernon County Relay for Life, both in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington Nevada, MO 64772

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