Meridith Jean Pressly, 83, of King City, MO, died on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, in Lebanon, MO.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, with reading of a eulogy. Burial was held on Monday, Jan. 23, at Mt. Rose Memorial Park. Shandel’s Colonial Library is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mrs. Pressly was born on July 4, 1939, the daughter of Jesse Finch Sr. and Estes Kerns Finch. She married her true love, Gerald Pressly, on Aug. 9, 1956, and he preceded her in death on July 24, 2012. Prior to his passing, they had shared nearly fifty-six years of laughter and memories, while raising their six children.
Mrs. Pressly made a profession of faith in Christ and for many years attended Lebanon First Assembly. The love, support and continued prayers from her church family were precious to her.
The Presslys owned and operated several businesses in Lebanon: Joy Motel, Dog-N-Suds Drive-in, Nifty Café and Triple A Ambulance Service to name a few, all while raising her family. She also worked in home health care for many years, even into her late 70s, and loved her patients dearly. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, painting, arts and crafts, flowers and interior decorating. Mrs. Pressly loved to cook and for many years there was a standing Sunday meal at their house for the whole family. She loved time spent with family and friends, and will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Mrs. Pressly is survived by her children, Mark Steven Pressly of Lebanon, Ronald Eugene Pressly of Springfield, Debra Dee (Raymond) Gilmore of Strafford, Tamara Lynn (Stephen) Peters, Gina Marie Carvel, and Kimberly Kay (Freeman) Barnes, all of Lebanon; grandchildren, Andrew, Chad, Jacob, Jackie, Michelle, Kayla, Erik, Alese, Kristen and Kaitlin; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Sue Finch of Massachusetts, Janet Fogle of Illinois, Levita Gitschier of New Hampshire, and Linda Finch of Vermont; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Jesse Finch, Jr.
Memorials may be directed to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Donations can also be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 Lebanon, MO, 65536. Condolences may be left online at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
