M. Pris Devous-Chojnacki

M. Pris Devous-Chojnacki (nee Gish), 68, of Fulton, formerly of Richardson, Texas, passed away from complete cardiac arrest on July 16, 2016, at her "birth home" in Fulton, Mo. It was a devastating event for her family and friends. Pris was a fierce, independent and nurturing woman who lived a spiritually rich life that nourished her soul and filled her with such a deep love of God that it radiated upon her family and friends. She was deeply committed to our Mother Earth and was always seeking new ways to recycle, reuse and re-purpose. She loved to garden and developed her deep self-love of God by working in her garden several times daily. She loved fish and taught her husband how to "muck" the fish pond. Pris was a loving Mom and with the help of her Husband, Leon, developed a "blended" family that included her children, grand-children and step-children and the fostering of young people. Both Pris and Leon were members of Al-Anon and regularly attended meetings as a couple so they could continue to grow their healthy-working relationship. She and her husband continued to bond and grow closer up until her death. As a mom and Grandma she was a selfless and patient woman. She was a teacher, a coach, a chef, a painter, an artist and an all-around angel. She never failed to support the family in so many ways. She was dedicated to her pilates and yoga. She was the best family chef ever. And she loved, loved, loved, her children and grandchildren. Mom worked tirelessly to keep and hold her blended family together so much so that within the last few months she was finally moving the core family to Fulton. Pris even helped Josh buy a home across the street from their home. Pris would have lived out her days surrounded by her new garden and fish pond, enhanced by the love of her family, supported by her new community and continuing to enrich the lives of all who crossed her path. Our blended family will work to honor her life, her brilliance and her gifts in the years after her departure. She will be sorely missed by many people. She left behind her husband, Leon Chojnacki; daughter, Michelle Devous; son, Michael Devous; grandson, Josh; granddaughter, Cheyenne; step-daughter, Phaedra Chojnacki; step-son, Joseph Chojnacki; daughter-in-law, Iris Chojnacki; and Andrew Chojnacki. She is also survived by her sister Ann Champion and many nephews and nieces as well as, five cats, Jar-Jar, Anakin, Amadala, Mumbles, and Twinkle-toes; and two dogs, Burt and Nessie. Pris was preceded in her death by her parents, E. Rutlege Gish and Miriam Slicker Gish. A Celebration of her Life will be held at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton, Mo. on July 23, 2016, at 3:30 p.m. It will be a casual ceremony led by her husband and children - her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Los Angeles AIDS Healthcare Foundation or Alzheimer's Association, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Boulevard, Fulton, MO 65251. Condolences may be left for the family at maupinfuneralhome.com.