Gretchen G. Tatum

Gretchen Garten Tatum, 82, of Poplar Bluff died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Tatum was born Jan. 5, 1927 in Kansas City. She graduated from Pierce City High School in 1944, and for two years attended Drury College in Springfield. In 1948 Mrs. Tatum graduated from the University of Missouri and later taught school in Boonville. Moving to Poplar Bluff in 1953 she quickly became active in the community where over the years she served as organist for First Presbyterian Church and later First United Methodist Church; was president of Junior Study Club; president of Monday Literary Club; board member and president of Library Board; president of Community Concert Board as well a member of the Arts Council. She organized and led for a number of years ""Grace Notes"", a Bible study group at First United Methodist Church. Mrs. Tatum was honored as Homemaker of the Year by the Poplar Bluff Business and Professional Women's Club. She enjoyed spending time with her family.

On June 5, 1949 she married James W. Tatum in Pierce City. He survives. Mr. and Mrs. Tatum recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Other survivors include four children: Cynthia Smith and husband Doug of Columbia, Ann Coulson and husband Kevin of Emporia, Kans., David Tatum and wife Bette of Rogers, Ark. and Julia Matthews and husband Steve of Fulton; 11 grandchildren: Laura Smith, Brian Smith and wife Val, Sarah Coulson, Olivia Coulson, Matt Tatum and wife Nicole, Christen Tatum, Andy Tatum, Jennifer Tatum, Emily Matthews, Paul Matthews and Mary Kate Matthews; and a sister, Beth Brown and husband Forest of Columbia.

Mrs. Tatum was preceded in death by her parents, Meredith and Winifred (Amery) Garten.
A gathering of family and friends will be from 3 - 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6th at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7th at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Charles Buck officiating. Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions be made in Mrs. Tatum's memory to the music department of First United Methodist Church, 500 No. Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901, or to Poplar Bluff Public Library, 318 No. Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.