Malisa Crosley, 36, died while saving nine-year-old son in tornado

(The following obituary is taken from the Mason-Woodard Mortuary website.)

Malisa Ann Crossley, age 36, of Joplin, Mo., passed away on May 22, 2011, at her home, from injuries sustained in the catastrophic tornado.

Malisa was born on January 29, 1975 in Joplin, Missouri, the daughter of Jerald Lynn Gaston and Peggy “White” Gettler. She has been a life time resident of Joplin. She worked as a customer service representative at Walmart on 7th Street the past two years. Malisa unselfishly covered and protected her nine year old son during the tornado, and as a result his life was spared. Malisa was a loving mother. She was always smiling and she loved to make others smile. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.


She is survived by her mother Peggy Gettler, Grand Praire, Texas. Two sons, Thomas Crossley, Joplin, Mo. and Chaz Martin of the home, one daughter, Shantal Crossley of Joplin, Mo. Her fiancé Bryce Coleman.Two sisters, Jennifer Gordon and husband David of Irving, Texas, Lindy Molina and husband Freddy of Irving, Texas. Her best friend, Angela Baumann, who was a sister to her. She is also survived by Aunts and Uncles and nieces and nephews. Her father Jerald Lynn Gaston preceded her in death in 1980.


Malisa will be cremated with a Memorial Service at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the Malisa Ann Crossley fund in care of the mortuary.


Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.