Martha Klein

On Thursday, December 5, 2019, Martha Klein, adored mother, grandmother and sister, was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven at the age of 92 while at her home near Brookline, Missouri.  Martha was born on October 18, 1927 in Berryville, Arkansas to William and Elsie Gregg.

In December 1941, Martha wed Lloyd Gilbert.  Together, they lovingly raised two daughters, Mary-Lou and Lloydine and one son, John.  After the passing of Lloyd in 1971, Martha became the wife of Howard Klein in 1979.

Anyone who knew Martha knew she was beautiful, hardworking, full of life, and always quick-witted. Martha’s sense of humor was absolutely contagious.

Martha’s homemaking skills and creative talents were exceptional.  One of her many remarkable talents was demonstrated by her original designs of dresses she created for her daughters, cutting the patterns out of brown wrapping paper and, in the early years, using her treadle sewing machine.

Her talent didn’t end with sewing.  She was also a fabulous cook.  Friends and neighbors considered it a treat to be invited for Sunday dinner after church.  She later used her culinary talent at restaurants in Branson, including Presley’s Restaurant and College of the Ozarks Cafeteria.

Her vivaciousness kept her tending to flowers and mowing five acres of lawn until she was in her mid-eighties.

Martha was preceded in death by her father, William; mother, Elsie; husbands Lloyd Gilbert and Howard Klein; brothers Freddie Gregg and Gary Stacey, who were killed in the service of our country during World War II and Vietnam, respectively, and Bob Gregg; plus, sisters Janise Tate and Martina Acton.

Martha is survived by her daughters Mary-Lou Gilbert of Brookline, Missouri, Lloydine Claybrook and husband, Junior, also of Brookline, son John Gilbert and wife, Pattie, of Skiatook, Oklahoma; grandchildren Relina Hagan and husband, Bob, James Gilbert, Tom Claybrook and wife, Kim, Christina Camargo and husband Matthew, Travis Quinnelly and wife, Heather; great-grandchildren Seth Hagan and wife, Amber, Briana Willyard, Zoey Gilbert, Alec Hagan, Gracie Claybrook, Alexander Gilbert, David DeLozier, Gavin Camargo, Silas Quinnelly, and Vivian Quinnelly; plus two great great-grandchildren Aiden Millard and Sadie Hagan; brothers Bill Gregg, Lee Roy Stacey, and Joe Stacey; sisters Mary Jane Shepard, Karen Badley, and Nyoka Crowe plus several nieces and nephews.

Martha Gregg Gilbert Klein was a woman worth remembering!

Visitation will be on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory in Branson, Missouri from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.  The celebration of life service will be Monday, December 9, 2019, also at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory at 2:00pm.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha Klein, please visit our floral store.