Karla Denise (Thorson) Gier (August 13, 1965 - October 8, 2026)

Karla Gier Obituary

Karla Denise (Thorson) Gier lived her life loving Jesus and loving people, and she did both wholeheartedly. Karla passed away Thursday morning, October 8, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 13, 1965 in Jefferson City, MO the daughter of Thomas and Norma (Slote) Thorson. On May 25, 1985 in Eldon, MO she was united in marriage to Philip Gier.

To know Karla was to know her smile, her unmistakable laugh, her big hugs, and the way she made people feel like they belonged. She rarely forgot a name and always seemed to have a term of endearment ready: “baby,” “hon,” “darlin’,” “sweetness,” or “kiddo.” Whether you were family, a friend, coworker, student, one of her kids’ friends, or someone she had just met, Karla had a gift for making you feel seen and loved.

Her faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life. She sang in church, served children and youth, hosted Bible studies, prayed with and for others, and shared her faith freely. Many can still hear her saying, “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.” Her joy in the Lord was genuine and contagious.

Karla’s home and table were always open. She loved cooking and baking for others, and her cinnamon rolls, lemon bars, meatloaf, pulled pork, chicken spaghetti, cracker candy, and countless other recipes became part of the memories of those who loved her. Recipes she shared years ago are still being made today, carrying a little piece of Karla into kitchens and family gatherings.

During her years with the Missouri Department of Corrections and later the Eldon School District, Karla became much more than a coworker or school secretary. She was an encourager, a listening ear, a snack provider, and, for many students, a second mom or grandmother. If someone needed food, encouragement, advice, or simply a safe place to land, Miss Karla was there.

Above all, Karla loved her family fiercely. She loved being a wife, mom, and grandma, and there was little doubt how proud she was of the people she loved. Her definition of family was never limited by blood, though. Generations of kids knew the Gier home as a place where they would be welcomed, fed, encouraged, prayed for, and sent home with a hug.

Karla is survived by her husband, Phil; her two children, Dyllon and Elizabeth; her beloved granddaughter, Addisyn; her mother, Norma (Slote) Thorson, and her three sisters, Cindy Maynard, Karen Milster, Cathy Thorson. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, coworkers, students, and church family whom she loved deeply and who loved her just as fiercely.

Karla loved her flowers, her dogs, cooking, singing, serving her church, cheering on kids at ballgames, and being surrounded by the people she loved. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, hospitality, laughter, good food, open doors, and a remarkable ability to make people know they mattered.

For those who loved Karla, it is difficult to imagine a world without that laugh in it. But Karla knew exactly where she was going. Her hope was in Jesus, and she spent her life pointing others toward Him.

And we can almost hear her saying it one more time:

“God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.”

Visitation will be Friday, October 16, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Eldon, MO with a Funeral Service on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM also at the church with Pastor Bill Gernenz officiating.

Memorials in her name are suggested to the Eldon School District.


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