Gary Albert Stift of Steelville, Missouri passed away Friday, March 6, 2015 at the age of 68. He was born September 2, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri to Leicester Conrad  Stift and Doloris Constance Lauth Stift. Gary had a master's degree in Animal Husbandry and was employed at the Farmers Home Administration as a farm loan advisor for several years. He was a very kind and gentle man who lived his life in peace. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Stift of Bellingham, WA; brother, Christopher Joseph Stift; nieces, Emilie Ann Stift and Margaret Teresa Ingebrigtson both of WA, Diana Stift of CA and Laura Stift of FL; and nephew, Duncan Stift of NY; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Tary Lee Stift; and nephew, Jeremiah Thomas Gerard. Graveside inurnment will be at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 15, 2015 in the Oak Grove Cemetery in St. James, MO. The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.