Thomas Ray Blackwell
January 31, 2011
Thomas Ray Blackwell, 77, Lenexa, Kansas, passed away Monday January 31, 2011, at Select Specialty Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas.
Tom served in the Korean War in the Marine Infantry and was employed by KCP&L until he started his own tree service.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents Todd and Eunice (Henderson) Blackwell and a son Darrell. Survivors include one son Jeff (Sandy) Blackwell, Shawnee, Kansas; a daughterr Debra Griffey “Blackwell”, De Soto, Kansas; a sister Wanda S. Blackwell, Lenexa, Kansas; a brother Charles L. (Peggy) Blackwell, Merriam, Kansas; two nieces Vickie (Paul) Hudson, Tonganoxie, Kansas; and Penny (Bob) Noller, Overland Park, Kansas; a granddaughter Shannon, two great nieces and one nephew.
Visitation and Graveside Service
Visitation will be 6-8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 3, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 4, 2011, at Lenexa Cemetery.
Helen C. Stevens
January 31, 2011
Helen C. Stevens, 92, of Mission, Kansas, passed away January 31, 2011.
She was born December 20, 1918, in the southwestern Kansas town of Plains, but lived in Kansas City, Kansas and Mission, Kansas most of her life. She was a 1935 graduate of Wyandotte High School. She was married to Robert A. Stevens who passed away in 1987; together they owned and operated Bob Stevens Appliance for over 40 years. Helen began as a secretary assisting with sales and service and eventually doing the daily bookkeeping while being a stay at home mother. In her own words she was a “Jill of all trades” doing whatever needed to be done.
Helen was an active member of Countryside Christian Church where she was active in the Chancel Choir, Christian Women’s Fellowship and as a circle member and deacon.
Helen had an awesome visit this past December with her 2 great grandchildren, granddaughter Amy and her husband Justin from Montana.
Helen was an avid Kansas basketball fan and rarely missed a game on TV. During her time at Mission Springs she was a member of the “Categories” trivia team that competed on television against other retirement communities. She was also quite a knowledgeable 30s and 40s music fan participating in “Name That Tune” competitions held at Mission Springs. Helen also was an accomplished crossword puzzle player, often quick with just the right word.
Helen will be remembered for her honesty, integrity and was not shy in sharing her personal and honest opinions on any subject while getting straight to the point. Her sense of humor was always intact even when not feeling well.
She is survived by her son Robert M. Stevens of Shawnee daughter in law Sara Stevens of Overland Park, her grandchildren Rob Stevens of Overland Park and Amy and Justin McKerrow of Montana and her great-granchildren Lucas and Sydney.
Contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to the Countryside Christian Church, 6101 Nall Avenue, Mission, Kansas 66202.
Visitaion and Funeral Service
A service commemorating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 4, 2011, at Countryside Christian Church. A visitation will be held an hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m., also at the church.
Judith Westbrook
January 29, 2011
Judith Ann Westbrook, 70, of Overland Park, formerly of Spokane, Washington, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2011, at Comfort Care Homes in Leawood.
Judy was born July 3, 1940, to the late Lawrence and Bertha Cozart in Wenatchee, Washington. She was active with the Stephen’s Ministry with Pilgrim’s Lutheran Church in Spokane, Washington. She loved her three dogs Ruby, Jake and Peaches.
Judy is survived by her son Brandon Westbrook and wife Pam, a daughter, Gina Stilwell and husband Kevin, her sister, Jeannette Cozart, and six grandchildren.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Lenexa Baptist Church, 15320 W. 87th Street, Lenexa, Kansas 66219.
Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held this summer in Washington.
Frank A. Bistrom
January 29, 2011
Frank A. Bistrom, 72, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2011, at his home.
Frank was born August 1, 1938, in Seattle, Washington, to the late F. Vernon and Maurine Bistrom. Frank married Betchie Bloesser in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 2, 1967. He was a Certified Association Executive (CAE).
Frank was President of Association Services for 30 years and managed professional and trade associations. Frank was a 32nd degree Mason and was a former member of the Scottish Rite, and Ararat Shrine. He was an avid gardener and landscaper.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Betchie Bistrom, and several cousins.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to a local diabetes association or a local heart association of your choice.
Services
Private family services planned.
Ruth Clarinda Ryan
January 29, 2011
Ruth C. Ryan, 99, of Merriam, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2011, at Trinity Nursing and Rehab.
Ruth was born January 5, 1912, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was married to Leonard L. Ryan on June 25, 1931 in Roeland Park, Kansas. He preceded her in death on March 29, 1999.
Ruth worked as a nurse’s aid during World War II at Bell Memorial Hospital, which is now KU Medical Center. She also operated her own embroidery shop for over 50 years and was a seamstress for the church altar guild.
Ruth was a member of St. Michael and All Angels Daughters of the King, Abdallah Shrine- Daughters of the Nile Wild Cards, and volunteered with the Trinity Nursing and Rehab Auxillary.
She is survived by a daughter, Beverly Jo Hedquist; two grandsons, Mike Swanson and wife Susie, and Jeff Swanson and wife Sherri; five great grandchildren, Krista, Kate, Amy, Jimmy, and Hannah; and eight great great grandchildren. Ruth is preceded in death by her children James Michael Ryan, Constance Lee Ryan and grandson, James Swanson.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 6630 Nall Avenue, Mission, Kansas 66202.
Visitation and Memorial Service
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, February 3, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Memorial service will be 11 a.m., Friday, February 4, 2011, at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.
Arthur Leonard Conley, Jr.
January 29, 2011
Arthur L. Conley, Jr., 80, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2011, at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.
Arthur was born October 6, 1930, to the late Arthur and Ruth Conley in Pritchett, Colorado. He graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1949. On October 30, 1954, Arthur married Anita Sherman in La Cynge, Kansas. He was a member of the Independent Oil and Chemical Workers Union and worked as a Maintenance Mechanic for over 30 years for Proctor and Gamble. Arthur could fix just about anything. He enjoyed working with his hands building birdhouses and picnic tables for family reunions, neighbors and friends. He was an avid pheasant and bird hunter.
Arthur is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Anita; two sons, Gary and Steven Conley; five sisters, Marjorie Prentice, Marion Hayes and husband Jack, Louise Crisler, Leola Mundell and husband Ira, Eva Frazee and husband John; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Visitation and Funeral Service
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 2, 2011, at the Chapel. Burial will follow in Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens.
Amy Elizabeth (Fortune) Stiefvater
January 28, 2011
Amy Elizabeth Stiefvater, 41, of Overland Park, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2011.
Amy was born May 4, 1969, to Dr. Cedric Fortune and Judy Hayes in Kansas City, Missouri. Amy graduated from Olathe South High School in 1987. After high school Amy attended the University of Missouri where she earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Masters of Social Work in 1993. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Amy enjoyed Yoga and knitting scarves and afghans to give to her friends and family. She had a kind heart and loved to help people, by volunteering at Wyandotte Mental Health Services. Amy also enjoyed reading, and spending time with her beloved cats Gertie and Rudy and her dog Rosie.
Amy is survived by her loving husband Jeffrey, of the home; two brothers, Jeff Fortune, and Blake Fortune and his wife Mindy; her father, Dr. Cedric Fortune and his wife Sharon; her mother, Judy Hayes and her husband Mike; a maternal grandmother, Lillian Stanley. Amy was loved by many family members including parent-in-laws Jerry and Janet Stiefvater, brother and sister in law, nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Animal Haven, 9800 W. 67th St., Merriam, Kansas 66203.
Visitation and Services
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 31, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 8311 W. 93rd Street, Overland Park, Kansas. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Carole Rosen Christy
January 26, 2011
Carole Rosen Christy, 76, Merriam, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the Sweet Life at Rosehill in Shawnee, Kansas.
Carole is survived by her husband Peter of the home; two children Dena Rosen Ramey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Michael (Marilyn) Rosen, La Jolla, California; and six grandchildren Matthew, Merrit, Madison and Max Rosen, Marissa, Mitchell Ramey.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Graveside Service
Graveside service will be Sunday, January 30, 2011, at Cedar Park Cemetery, Beth El Cemetery, Sanctuary of Abraham & Sarah Mausoleum, Paramus, New Jersey.
Jack Anthony Martin-Frye
January 26, 2011
Jack Anthony Martin-Frye, infant son of Susana Martin and Sandy Frye, went to be with the angels in heaven on January 26, 2011.
Jack is survived by his loving parents; half sisters Aundrea and Mikayla; half brothers, Dominique, Micah, and Zechariah; grandmother, Kimberly Yeo; and great grandmothers, Jaunita and Antonia. Jack was preceded in death by his grandmother, Maria Santoyo and grandfather, Sandy Frye Sr.
Funeral Service
A funeral service has been scheduled for 7:00 pm, Wednesday, February 2, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee with cremation following.
Zsigmond Moses Vincze
January 23, 2011
Zsigmond Moses Vincze, 95, Overland Park, Kansas, passed away Sunday January 23, 2011.
Zsigmond was the son of Louis and Julia Vincze of Zelienople. At Zelienople High, Zsig lettered in football and basketball and was a member of the National Honor Society. He was the first licensed Flight Engineer and flew for Trans World Airlines. During World War II he flew the Boeing Stratoliner and Douglas DC-4 in the Air Transport Command and met the King and Queen of England delivering Norden Bombsights to defeat the axis powers. He was Council Chairman of the Flight Engineers Union and was an early advocate for scheduling and safety. He thwarted a hijacking of an airliner enroute to New York. He owned private airplanes and flew often between New York, Washington, and Pittsburgh. He appeared in a series of advertisements for the Hudson automobile. He was co-President of the U.S. Air Force Academy Parents Club of Long Island with his wife Michelena.
Zsig married Michelena Witkowski in 1954 and built his house entirely by himself in Old Westbury, New York. He loved gardening, trips to the beach and snow skiing and lived through an exciting age of flying from working on DC-3′s to flying the Constellation and 747. They had five children James, Diana, Robert, Edward, Richard, and eleven grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Flora Day and Esther Smith.
Visitation and Funeral Service
Viewing will be from 10-11 am on Thursday, January 27, 2011, followed by a service at St. Peter’s Reformed Church on Grandview Avenue, Zelienople, Pennsylvania; Burial to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.