Mary Corinne Kleene

Mary Corinne Kleene, 97, of Jefferson City, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 8, 2021, at Oak Tree Villa. She was born in Webb City, Mo. on January 21, 1924, a daughter of the late Ernest and Gladys (Lacey) Liles. She was united in marriage on September 3, 1949, to William Joseph Kleene, who preceded her in death on March 1, 1992. Corinne was a graduate of Jefferson City High School. She worked for the Veterans Administration, Conservation Commission, and was a legislative assistant at the Missouri Legislature. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. There was rarely a week that did not include playing bridge, birthday dinners, Ten-High dances, get togethers with the Ya-Ya sisters, traveling, or volunteering. She volunteered her time for her church and several local charities, and drove patients for Hospice into her early 90's. She loved to cook, a talent she learned from her mother. Corinne hosted gatherings for extended family on Christmas for many decades and always looked forward to attending the Mueller family reunions each summer in July. She lovingly took care of her husband for four years after his stroke, until his death. Above all, she cherished her time spent with family and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her children: Joyce Higgs of Juno Beach, Fla., Lynn Vincent (Gary) of St. Louis, Mo., and Mark Kleene (Shelley) of Jefferson City; grandchildren: Leah Vincent, Kevin Vincent (Victoria), Ryan Vincent (fiancée Rebekah Newman), Spencer Higgs, Victoria Kleene and Alexandra Kleene; great-grandchildren: Hadley and Cora Schneider, and Elizabeth and Charlotte Vincent. She was preceded in death by her husband: William; brother: Robert Liles; sister-in-law: June Liles; sister: Ervena Falloon; brother-in-law: John Falloon; and son-in-law: Geoffrey Higgs. Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Louis M. Nelen officiating. Entombment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. For those unable to attend Corinne's service, a recording will be available within 24 hours after the service. Visit the online obituary posting for her at www.millardfamilychapels.com. Select the "Tribute Wall" tab and click "Watch now" on the Live Webcast video player. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Cathedral of St. Joseph, St. Raymond's Society, the Pregnancy Help Center of Central Missouri, or the Samaritan Center. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.