ADVANCE, Mo. -- Gaynell Fowler, 71, of Advance passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at St. Louis University Hospital.

She was born June 10, 1939, at Sikeston, Mo., daughter of Nathan and Dorotha Johnson Sims.

Gaynell was a member of Advance United Methodist Church and Order of Eastern Star. She served Pike Township for eight years. She enjoyed gardening and cooking, but the most important thing was spending time with her family, especially helping take care of her granddaughters.

Gaynell and Robert Fowler were married Jan. 3, 1958.

Loving survivors include her husband; a daughter and son-in-law, Natalie and David Kennedy of Advance; two granddaughters, Madeline and Abigail Kennedy of Advance; a brother, Jimmy Sims of Advance; two sisters, Sharon Spane of Chandler, Ariz., and Patsy Jenkins of Sun Lakes, Ariz.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Nathan Sims Jr.; and a sister, Billie Harris.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Jerry Willer officiating.

Burial will be in Morgan Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Stoddard County Children's Home.