Deceaseds Obituary: Evelyn Gladys Plonski, 73, of Henrietta, passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at her home.
Evelyn was born on December 8, 1951, in Kansas City, the daughter of Melvin and Martha Frances (Baldwin) Roark. She was first united in marriage to Gerald Lee Thornberry of Kansas City; he preceded her in death in 1979. She was then united in marriage to Anthony Thomas Plonski, Jr., of Henrietta on October 31, 2001; he preceded her in death on June 3, 2003.
Survivors include: three sons: Christopher (Cindy) Thornberry of Richmond, Anthony T. (Courtney) Plonski, III, of Hardin, and Sundown (Kasey) Plonski of Richmond; four daughters:, Sherry L. (Daniel) Gilbert of Richmond, Karolyina Plonski (Robert Gross) of Richmond, Dusty (Roy) Gardner of Henrietta, and Wendy Thornberry of Henrietta; 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Stanley Roark; and five sisters: Diona Sims, Deborah Schnoover, Brenda Taylor, Carol Wetzel, and Donna Crenshaw; many friends and extended family members also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, daughter, Patricia Marie Plonski, grandson, Zane Thornberry, infant granddaughter Emma Grace Plonski, brothers Richard Jones, Marvin Jones, and Melvin Roark, and sisters, Theresa Davis, and Frances Maxwell.
Evelyn was raised and educated in Kansas City. In addition to being a devoted housewife and homemaker raising her family, she also worked outside of the home at Orbeseal, Henkel, Concordia Foods, and the KC Market. She was the true matriarch of her family-someone who not only raised her own children but seemed to take in and nurture everyone else’s as well. It was common for the kids to gather at her home; a place filled with warmth and love. Evelyn especially enjoyed hosting family gatherings, always preferring that they be held at her house, so she didn’t have to leave her comfort zone. She found great joy in raising flowers and birdwatching, two of her favorite pastimes. Evelyn’s love and companionship were also shared with her faithful canine companions, Betty and Baby, who remained by her side. The family wishes to thank Shirkey Hospice for all their help and compassion.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Evelyn Plonski Memorial Fund. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., with services to follow at 11:00 A.M. Graveside services will follow services at 2:00 P.M. in Agency Cemetery, Agency, MO. Please remember to share your memories of Evelyn by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
