Veneta D. Gray

Veneta Darlene Koeller-Gray, 87, of Pleasant Hill, was born December 4, 1938, in Daugherty, Missouri, the daughter of Ernest Vernon and Audrey (McKee) Koeller. She departed this life on Monday, May 25, 2026, at St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, holding her daughter’s hands. Veneta attended Eight-Mile School in Daugherty before moving to Pleasant Hill in 1953. She graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1958.

She began her career at Montgomery Ward in Kansas City and later joined Western Electric/Lucent Technologies in Lee’s Summit, where she dedicated more than 30 years before retiring in 1995. Her strong work ethic and determination were evident in everything she did.

Veneta was a member of Pleasant Ridge Church in Harrisonville and attended Pleasant Hill First Christian Church. Though quiet by nature, she had a deeply warm heart and was fiercely loyal and supportive of those she loved. Her family meant everything to her, and she was proud of them beyond measure.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one nephew, Clayton Foster.

Veneta is survived by her daughters, Sandra Hayden Bowen (and Roger) and Shannon Gray Caughron ( and Casey), all of Pleasant Hill; her grandchildren, Blaine Bowen (and Kristin) of Garden City and Lexi Caughron of Pleasant Hill; three great-grandchildren, Braedyn, Atlas, and Magnolia; her sister, Madonna Foster (and Franklin) of Harrisonville; and her nieces and nephews, Stephanie Foster-Hlade of Raymore, Kenton Schaub and Annie Spangler, both of Harrisonville, Logan Thompson of Lubbock, Texas, and Kyle ( and Katie Beth) of Gladstone, along with other relatives and friends who will remember her kindness and steady presence.

Visitation and funeral services were held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the funeral home.  Pastor Janice Hill officiated. Interment was in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Harrisonville.

Casket bearers were Blaine Bowen, Casey Caughron, Logan Thompson, Brandon McAlister, Mark Bach, and Curtis Smith.  Franklin Foster served as honorary casket bearer.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasant Hill Animal Shelter and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550