Gertrude Juanita Pagan, 83, of Owensboro, Kentucky, went to be with the Lord on December 2, 2018. The youngest of eight, she was born at home to the late Albert and Angela Mattingly in Stanley, Kentucky on January 19, 1935. She grew up in hard times and adjusted well. Gertrude was a woman who had a giving heart and bigger than life personality who loved spending time with her family and friends. Her belly laugh could fill up a room and her smile was contagious.
She was always ready to offer advice, lend a sympathetic ear, or tell it to you straight. Gertrude was a member of Blessed Mother Catholic Church and enjoyed making blankets for the Pitino and St. Benedict shelters, Birth Right, and the Humane Society. She could often be found with a glass of tea in her hand, dancing to “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks and Dunn, watching Wheel of Fortune, or reruns of Walker Texas Ranger or loudly cheering on her many grandchildren from the sidelines. She was well known for her sewing and quilting abilities, making “pigs” at the Big Dipper, and frequenting JD’s diner or Great Harvest Bread Co. She was, quite simply, the best, and will be deeply missed.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her former spouses, Gregory Taylor and Robert Pagan, her daughter Lois Marie Taylor, her step-son, Barry Pagan, her brothers, Joseph Mattingly, James Mattingly, John Mattingly, Bernard Mattingly, and her sisters, Mary Louise Mattingly Fischer, Margaret Ann Mattingly Hanson, and Theresa Mattingly Toland.
Gertrude is survived by her four beautiful children; Larry (Carolyn) Taylor, Linda (Steve) Ranburger, Lanita (Ron) Robertson, all of Owensboro, and Lisa (Keith) Morris of Whitesville; 9 grandchildren, Lee (Laura) Ranburger, Michael (Kelli) Robertson, Shawna Hempfling, Sara (Nathan) Dorris, Luke (Penni) Robertson, and Mason Robertson, all of Owensboro, Patrick Taylor of Ridgeway, New York, Tara (Jay) Hart of Auburn, Kentucky and Kaley (Zach) Knight of Lexington, Kentucky; 14 great grandchildren, Katelyn, Mikayla, Meghan, Christopher, Joshua, Ann Marie, and Elliott Ranburger, Marley Hempfling, Rylan and Baby Dorris, Harper and Sloane Robertson, Caroline, Callie and Bo Hart and her beloved cat, Suzie. Step children include Susan Nail and David Pagan. Step-grandchildren include Christy Smith, Stacy Jernigan, Ashley Tidwell, Dustin Brumley, Harry Pagan, Jack Pagan, Mary Katherine Pagan, Victoria Pagan, Holly Pagan, and Jamie Walters.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Pitino Shelter; 501 Walnut Street; Owensboro, Kentucky 42301, or the Owensboro Humane Society; 3101 West 2nd Street; Owensboro, Kentucky 42301. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Services will be 10:00 am Friday, December 7, 2018 at Blessed Mother Catholic Church, with Father Mike Clark officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peters Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory and again from 8:00 am to 10:00 am Friday at Blessed Mother Catholic Church. Prayers will be said 7:00 pm Thursday at the funeral home.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Pagan. Share your messages of condolence with the family of Gertrude Juanita Pagan atwww.haleymcginnis.com