Joyce Marie Gilmore, lovingly known to so many as Miss Kitty, touched countless hearts during her 88 years. A cherished resident of St. Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, at her home. She was born in Easley, Missouri, on October 14, 1937, daughter of the late Ray Jackson Gilmore Sr. and Bessie Marie (Foster) Gilmore.

She is survived by four daughters, Regina Pauley of Columbia, Debbie (Mike) Verhoff of St. Elizabeth, Shelly Keeran of Iberia, and Becky (Jimmy Ewers) Cochran of Iberia; grandchildren, Crystal (Randy) Bateman, Clint Ray (Angie) Keeran, Amy Sue Pauley, Tiffany (Kenny) Jones, Les (Lacie) Nixdorf, Ashleigh Keeran, Toi (Justin) Wilde, Ethan Keeran, Scotty (Emily) Keeran, Lauren (Tyler) Wieberg, Grace (Rocky) D’Mellow; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Bessie Gilmore; stepmom, Chloe Gilmore; son, Randy Keeran; two grandsons, Richard Pauley and Landon Wilde; three brothers, Arthur Gilmore, Bobbie Gilmore, and Ray Jackson Gilmore, Jr.; and sister, Bonnie Gilmore.

Joyce grew up on her family’s farm in Ashland, where hard work was a way of life and helped shape her into the strong, determined woman so many came to know and love. Her lifelong career in the food industry began at the tender age of 14, when she worked as a cook and waitress. In 1979, her passion and determination led her to own and operate her first restaurant in Tuscumbia, along the Osage River, Big Mama’s, which was eventually renamed River Front Inn. It was there that she earned the beloved nickname “Miss Kitty.” With her flowing red hair adorned with a flower, she reminded patrons of the memorable character from the television show Gunsmoke. After the loss of two businesses by fire, Miss Kitty refused to give up and went on to purchase Miss Kitty’s in St. Elizabeth, where she became a beloved community fixture and created lasting memories for generations of patrons. Miss Kitty’s became a family affair and a place where generations came together for the best meals. Kitty’s daughters and grandchildren worked alongside her, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come. She had a true passion for cooking and serving her customers.

Her larger-than-life personality and unmistakable style made her a someone people remembered—and someone whose presence will be deeply missed.

Miss Kitty’s legacy reaches far beyond the doors of her cherished restaurants. It lives on most deeply in the family she loved with all her heart and in the lessons she shared through the way she lived. Her family will remember her generous heart and the unconditional kindness she showed to everyone, regardless of their background. She taught them the value of hard work and the courage and grit to face life’s joys and hardships with strength. Those enduring gifts, along with the many treasured memories she created, will remain in their hearts and guide them for generations to come.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the St. Elizabeth Community Center. A graveside service will be held immediately following the visitation at Gott Cemetery near Ulman.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Joyce Gilmore Memorial Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth.