Joyce Gelso

Joyce “René” Gelso, 58, of Lee’s Summit, passed away October 20, 2020. Funeral services will be at 12pm on Monday, October 26 at Longview Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 11am. Burial will follow at Longview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to ASPCA, Independence or Merriam locations.

René was born on August 7, 1962 in Kansas City, Kansas to Charles and Donna (Thompson) Edwards. She was a member of the Turner High School Class of 1980 and was married to Michael Gelso on September 19, 1982. René enjoyed shopping, lake vacations, casinos, trips to the Elms Hotel, visiting Florida, and going on cruises. Time with family was very important, and she made sure that every Sunday was “family day.” Her home was always open to anyone, and she was known for being very kind and generous to all.

René was preceded in death by her parents, Chuck Edwards and Donna Lewis; sister, Radonna Sheeley; stepmom, Judy Edwards; and stepbrother, Jim Rowe. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Michael Gelso; children: Mandy Taylor (John), Monica Hahn (Bradley), Matthew Gelso, Melissa Higgins (Joshua), Megan Gelso, and Mallory Gelso; grandkids: Dylan Trent, Brandon Taylor, Cailey Higgins, and Jacob Higgins; sister, Rachelle Jackson; brother, Gene’O McQueen; stepsiblings: Peggy Jewell, Bob Rowe, Dan Rowe, and Tom Rowe; and her beloved dog, Q’Bert.