Bernita G. Lentz, 79, of Hardin, MO died Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Promise Hospital in Overland Park, KS.

Bernita Gay (Meador) Lentz was born February 14, 1938 in Hardin, MO to Russell E. and Frances (Kallenberger) Meador. She married Gordon Clarke Lentz, Jr., on February 14, 1958 in Hardin, MO. He preceded her in life on March 22, 2007.

Bernita attended grade school in Kansas City, MO and Central at Rockingham, MO. She graduated from Stet High School in 1956 and attended Central Business College in Kansas City. She was a cook at the Hardin Central School, a secretary for Lexington Memorial Airport where she learned how to fly. Later she was a secretary for her husband's business, Clarke's Spray Service and Lentz Trucking. She is a member of the Hardin United Methodist Church and was a Sunday School Teacher for a few years.

She is survived by her brother, Keith and wife Barbara Meador of Rockingham, MO; son Clarke Duane and wife Karin Lentz of Adrian, MO; daughter Deena Marie Chilcutt of Hardin; four grandchildren, Catherine Lentz, Crystal Dodds and husband Cody, Frankie Chilcutt and friend Cameron Adams, Leonard Chilcutt; a nephew, Russell K. Meador and friend Angela and his two children, Race and Yeager were was just like grandchildren to her, two sister-in-laws, Gay Lentz of Clinton, MI and Louise Lentz of Wausau, WI.

She loved her children and grandchildren who were a big part of her life. She loved being around people, playing cards at the center, dancing and meeting new people was a joy.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to the Hardin Fire District or the Hardin United Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 15, 2018 at the Hardin United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 14, 2017 at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, MO. Burial will be in the Hardin Cemetery, Hardin.