Kathy Ann Metcalf
May 30, 2012
Kathy Ann Metcalf, 59,Shawnee, KS passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at her home. Kathy was born Jan. 1, 1953 in Shawnee, KS to Jessie and Beverly Harris and was a lifelong area resident. She was a 1971 graduate of DeSoto High School. Kathy was employed at Hostess Brands for 19 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Kevin. Survivors include her husband, Thomas Metcalf; son, Shannon (Tina) Dougherty, Olathe, KS and daughter, Jessica (Craig) Kent, Wellsville, KS; five step-children; two sisters; four brothers; 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Memorial Contributions
Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Action.
Funeral Service and Visitation
Funeral services will be 10:00 am Saturday, June 2 at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee; burial in the Monticello Union Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Friday at the chapel.
Margaret Elizabeth Ream
May 30, 2012
Margaret Elizabeth Ream, 90, of Lenexa, passed away Saturday, May 26 at Lakeview Village. Margaret was born March 8, 1922, to the late Walter and Minna Clarke in Kansas City, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles “Pep” Clarke, Walter S. Clarke, Jr. and two sisters, Ada Rose Clarke and Emma Flury. She is survived by her son Carl David Yancey, Jr. and wife Carolee; four grandchildren, Scott Yancey and wife Lisa, Patrick Yancey, Bryan Yancey, and granddaughter, Heather Fleming and husband John; and six great grandchildren.
Visitation and Graveside Service
A memorial visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Friday June 1 at the Amos Family Funeral Home and Crematory. Graveside services will follow at 2:45 p.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery in Kansas City.
Memorial Contributions
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Crossroads Hospice or to Lakeview Village Retirement Center.
Lydia Lanell Gessell
May 29, 2012
Lydia Lanell Gessell, 83, of Mission, KS, passed away Sunday, May 27, 2012. Lanell was born August 26, 1928 in Uvalde, TX to William and Nola Taylor Gallaway. She graduated as an RN in 1948 from the University of Texas School of Nursing at Galveston. While still only a senior in college, she and her twin sister Lynda along with the rest of their class were brought to the nearby hospitals to assist during the Texas City Disaster of 1947. After graduation, she worked as a registered nurse in Denver CO, Salt Lake City, UT and Manhattan, KS, retiring in 1971 to focus full time on raising her 5 children. As a nurse, her favorite areas to work in were surgery and in the nursery. After retirement, she enjoyed gardening, knitting, playing cards and travel.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Gessell and a twin sister Lynda Bisbey She is survived by her twin daughters, Sharon Gieber and Sheryl Brotbeck; sons Don Paustian, Bill Paustian, and Dan Paustian; a brother, Bob Gallaway and five grandchildren.
The family suggests contributions to Crossroads Hospice.
Donna Lou Walker Branston
May 27, 2012
Donna Lou Walker Branston, 72, of Overland Park, formerly of Scottsdale, Arizona and San Francisco, California, passed away May 25th.
Donna was born July 6, 1939, to the late Don and Laura Lou Walker in Joplin, Missouri. Donna was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan. She was a team leader at Avis Rent a Car for over 30 years at the San Francisco Airport. She loved the summer and enjoyed spending hours laying out in the sun. Donna was full of life and loved entertaining visitors and made sure they had the time of their lives. She developed a love of painting with water colors and found her hidden talent later in life. Donna enjoyed playing bingo, rummy and poker.
She is preceded in death by her daughters, Cherie and Christy Branston and her brother John Walker. Donna is survived by her son, Steven Brudniak; sister, Marilyn Shipley; two brothers, William Walker and Don Walker; her life long friend, Judy Cartwright; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
The family wishes to express their heart felt gratitude for the care that Donna receive from the staff while at Garden Terrace of Overland Park.
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Donna’s life will be held Monday, June 11, 2012, at the Cedar Creek Swim and Raquet Club in Olathe, 11:30 am until 2:30 pm.
Memorial Contributions
The family suggests memorial contributions be made in her name to the Garden Terrace of Overland Park, Art Department, 7541 Switzer, Overland Park, Kansas 66214.
Velma Louise Ashley
May 27, 2012
Velma Louise Ashley, 84, of Merriam, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2012.
Velma was born March 16, 1928 to the late John and Bertha Myers in Iola, Kansas. She graduated from Iola High School in 1946. Later she attended the University of Beauty in Santa Ana, California and graduated in 1947. She returned to Iola and worked at the Suave Salon for one year.
On July 16, 1949, she married Leo Frank Ashley, Jr. in Washington, D.C. After Frank’s discharge from the Navy, they moved to Kansas City. Velma continued to work for two more years.
Velma was a charter member of Bristol Hill United Methodist Church. She was a member of the choir from many years which she loved and also a member of United Methodist Women. She was the church custodian for several years and did numerous other things for her church.
Velma was preceded in death by her husband Leo Frank Ashley, Jr., her sister, Ena Stalker of Iola, Kansas, and her brother, John Myers of Vista, California.
She is survived by a son Robert Ashley (Susie), daughter, Gwen Nunnally (Ken); son, Berl Ashley, daughter, Cheryl Stallsworth (Rick); son John Ashley, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation and Funeral Service
Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, May 31, 2012, at the Amos Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bristol Hill United Methodist Church, 4826 County Line Road, Kansas City, Kansas 66106.
Celebrating 66 years of service!
May 25, 2012
This weekend marks our 66th year of serving the people of Johnson County and the Kansas City area. We are so blessed and privileged to have served so many thousands of families in their time of need. We want to express our thanks to the wonderful people of this community for placing their trust in us. Your loyalty and friendship is greatly appreciated.
Evelyn Gunter
May 24, 2012
Evelyn R. Gunter, 93, of Shawnee, passed away at her home Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Evelyn was born May 11, 1919, in Abbeville, Mississippi.
She attended Community Covenant Church and was a member of Prairie Baptist Church. She was active in church, teaching Sunday school and served as a leader in Bible Study Fellowship. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and special friends.
Funeral and Graveside Services
Funeral Services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, May 26 at the Amos Family Funeral Home and Crematory. A brief visitation will follow the service. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, Keno, and her son, Roy, in Bluff Cemetery in Springdale, Arkansas.
Memorial Contributions
The family suggests memorial contributions to:
Prairie Baptist Church
7416 Roe Avenue
Prairie Village, Kansas 66208
or
Community Covenant Church
15700 W. 87th Street
Lenexa, Kansas 66215
Leo Surprenant
May 23, 2012
Leo Surprenant was born February 14, 1949, in Kankakee, Illinois, and died May 16, 2012, in Shawnee, Kansas. Leo was the eldest of 11 children born to Leonard and Rose Surprenant.
Leo was a Vietnam veteran, drafted into the Army in March 1969, he served with distinction and recognized valor as an Army Ranger with the 101st Airborne Division, safely returning to the U.S. after his tour of duty in October 1970. He worked as a Union laborer and foreman in Illinois, Hawaii and Kansas. In his retirement he enjoyed gardening, baking and helping his family and neighbors. He was a funny, fierce, loving man with an indomitable spirit. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by two daughters, Kristine Surprenant of Kankakee, Illinois and Shani Harshbarger of Frankfort, Illinois; son, Leo “Bo” Surprenant; three grandchildren, Alyssa Surprenant of Chico, California, Giorgiana Kolokythas of Frankfort Illinois, and Mason Surprenant of Manteno, Illinois; ex-wife Pat Surprenant; his lifetime friend Patti Keigher; 10 siblings, Annmarie Surprenant (and husband Alan North) of Hebron, Kentucky, Gene Surprenant (and wife Bonnie) of Hebron, Kentucky, Leonard Surprenant of Denver, Colorado, Zita Surprenant (and husband JB Moore) of Shawnee Kansas, Dominic Surprenant (and wife Jennifer) of Los Angeles, California, Martin Surprenant (and wife Cathy) of Hebron, Kentucky, Bill Surprenant of South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, Therese Surprenant (and husband Bob Sitko) of Austin, Texas, Lester Surprenant of Winn, Louisiana and Joel Surprenant of Portland, Oregon; nieces and nephews: Morgan and Brittany Moore, Christopher and Adrian North, Jason and Austen Sitko, Jake, Juliana and Jenna Surprenant, Zita, Lexa and Luc Surprenant, Ladd Surprenant, Eryn and Alena Surprenant, and Gene “Bub” Surprenant.
Memorial Service
The family will hold a memorial for Leo in Shawnee, Kansas, in September. Friends are invited to contact his sister Therese at theresesurprenant@yahoo.com for information.
Rosa A. Cook
May 23, 2012
Rosa A. Cook, 99, of Overland Park, passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at the Kansas City Hospice House.
Rosa was born January 11, 1913, to the late William and Louise Brandenberger in Burrton, Kansas. She graduated from Burrton High School and went on to attend Hutchison Junior College and Adams State College. On May 2, 1936, Rosa married Carroll Cook. He preceded her in death after 38 years of marriage in 1974.
As a pastor’s wife, Rosa was always very active in supporting the church. She served as a Girl Scout Leader as well as a Cub Scout Leader. Rosa volunteered at Kodiak Baptist Mission in Kodiak, Alaska, for 7 years, managing the thrift store and providing much needed relief to the house parents.
Rosa is also preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Terry; son, Corlin Cook; sister, Katherine Brandenberger; and brother, William Brandenberger.
She is survived by her daughter Carolyn Johnson and husband Gary; her son David Cook and wife Ingrid; son-in-law, James Terry; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Head; eight grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren.
Visitation and Services
Visitation will be 9:30-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2102, at the First Baptist Church of Shawnee. Funeral service will follow the visitation at 10:30 a.m. Rosa will be laid to rest at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Mt. Hope, Kansas.
Memorial Contributions
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, North Carolina 28201-0001.
Sgt Michael J. Knapp
May 22, 2012
Sgt Michael J. Knapp was an amazing father, husband, brother, and son who loved his family and God. He was always a great leader and teacher to all of his fellow soldiers.
Michael and his wife, Abby, were married in October 2008 and moved to Ft. Lewis, Washington, in March 2010 after he joined Active Duty Army. They had their daughter Kinsley Payton on August 1, 2011 – she was 9 weeks early weighing in at 3 lbs. 6 oz. – their miracle baby. Mike could not wait to be a father and loved Miss Kinsley so much.
He deployed to Asadabad, Afghanistan, November 14, 2011, with the 17th Fires Brigade. While deployed, Mike watched his daughter grow up on Skype until May 18, 2012, he was killed in action. He died of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with a rocket.
His military honors include: The Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, 3 Army Commendation Medals, 2 Army Achievement Medals, The Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, 3 Iraq Campaign Medals with Bronze Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 2 Armed Forces Reserve Medals with M Device, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, 3 Overseas Service Ribbons, 2 NATO Medals Kosovo, Combat Action Badge, 4 Overseas Service Bars, and the Louisiana Emergency Service Ribbon and Medal.
Michael is a man of God who will be missed dearly. We are keeping peace in knowing that he is with our Lord and Savior today.
He is survived by his wife, Abby Dyan (Brassfield) Knapp, 27, of Overland Park; daughter, Kinsley Payton Knapp, 9 months; mother, Sandra Knapp of Overland Park; sister, Wendy Knapp of Overland Park; grandfather, John Knapp of Bucyrus, Kansas; and his in-laws, Tom and Marla Brassfield of Overland Park along with Abby’s siblings, Amy Knapp, Clay Brassfield, and Casey Brassfield.
The family would like to thank all of their church family and friends for all the wonderful support they have provided in this tough time.
Services
Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, May 28, 2012, at Legacy Christian Church, 10150 Antioch Road, Overland Park, Kansas. Celebration of Life service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at the church.
Military Honors and inurnment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family has set up an assistance fund for Michael’s daughter, Kinsley Knapp at Valley View Bank.