Mary Gay Deskin, nee Laughlin, 87, formerly of Linn, passed away Friday, May 21, 2021 in the Westminster Palms Residential Community, St. Petersburg, Fla. where she was a resident.
She was born July 2, 1933, to the late Myrtle and Cecil Laughlin in Linn.
She was united in marriage to Robert Deskin Jan. 29, 1955.
Mary Gay graduated from Linn High School in 1951 and the University of Missouri in 1955. She was employed as a school teacher in her early years of marriage but soon switched to the life of mother and homemaker. Mary never lost her life-long love of drawing, painting, and all things artistic.
Her Osage County ancestors, the Laughlins, Shockleys, Lambeths and Stiesmyers were early immigrants to Missouri. Goodspeed’s History of Gasconade County, Missouri, says the Shockleys were among the first settlers of our area, arriving as early as 1812. Mary was christened in the old St John’s Methodist Church where her mother was active for many years.
Her childhood was marked by scarcity. There was a devastating drought in Missouri in the 30’s— the worst drought in North America in 300 years. There was a scarcity of water, money, jobs and, for many, hope for the future. The 40’s ushered in World War II and the scarcity got worse—no new cars, rationing of gasoline, fuel oil, coal, tires, and many agricultural products. But, for these children of Osage County, life was centered around their family. They were a resilient lot, and Mary Gay’s life in Osage County was surprisingly happy and content. That was to be the precursor of her future life.
As a child, she lived with her parents and sister Alice across the road from her paternal (Laughlin) grandparents. The John Clay Laughlin farm was immediately adjacent to the J.P. Shockley farm, home of her maternal grandparents. Many other relatives lived close by, at least until sometime after WWII. Now, Mary Gay returns to the earth of Osage County to join many of those relatives in the Valhalla/Roselawn section of the Linn Public Cemetery.
She was preceded in death by parents, Myrtle and Cecil; and son Andrew.
Mary Gay is survived by husband of 66 years, Robert; children, Bruce Deskin and wife Rachel of Houston, Texas and Paula Korstvedt and husband Ben of Rutland, Mass; sister Alice Scott of Boise, Idaho; and three grandchildren.
The oldest of 11 cousins, Mary Gay was respected and beloved by all.
Interment will be in the Linn Public Cemetery in a private ceremony.
