A Celebration of Life
​Evelyn "Sondra" Alden
​December 21, 1935 - November 28, 2024

Evelyn Sondra Updike Alden (better known as “Sondra”) passed away in Olathe, Kansas on November 28, 2024 at the age of 88. 

Sondra was born on December 21, 1935 in Humboldt, Kansas, the daughter of Evelyn Emily Hoover Updike and Ralph Emerson Updike. 

She grew up in Humboldt and Olathe, Kansas and attended multiple high schools, graduating from John P. St. John Memorial High School in Olathe. Sondra went on to graduate from the University of Kansas in 1957, earning a degree in Social Studies Education. Sondra married John Robert Alden on Jan 19, 1957 in Olathe, Kansas. Though they later divorced, they first had three children together—Evelyn, John, and Rebecca. 

Throughout her career, Sondra always had a passion for history. She began as a library assistant for the rare books and Kansas collections at Watson Library at the University of Kansas and later taught as an adjunct professor at Emporia State University. She is perhaps best known for her time as Director of The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum in Chanute, Kansas, where she wrote and edited journals and books on the two American explorers. During her decade as the museum’s director, Sondra made friends around the world. 

Outside of work, Sondra was active with the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), where she was known as Lady Sondra van Schiedam and was recognized for her research and service. In the SCA, Sondra ran a portable bookshop called Tomes and Tunes with her daughter Evelyn and granddaughter Emily. As part of this, she also wrote and illustrated a set of cartoon books called “Another Day in the SCA.” Other things Sondra loved included gardening, puzzles, and spending time with her cats. 

One of Sondra’s lifelong pastimes was genealogy. For years, she traveled the country to gravesites and libraries to track down details on her ancestors and loved the way that the internet made information more accessible. 

At the time of her passing, Sondra was a member of the Kansas Historical Society, Kansas University Alumni Association, and Humboldt Historical Society. She was previously a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, the American Association of University Women, the Kansas Museum Association, the Mountain-Plains Museum Association, the Southeast Kansas Spinners and Weavers Guild, and Southeast Kansas Tourism. 

When asked what Sondra hoped to be remembered by, her answer was simple: her family. From the time she was young, Sondra always had her extended family close, and throughout her adult life she was never more than a few hours away from her children or grandchildren. For nearly two decades, she lived with her daughters (Evelyn and Rebecca) and eldest granddaughters (Emily and Anna). In her final years, she lived with Emily in Olathe, five minutes from her son (John) and daughter-in-law (Debbie) and two youngest grandchildren (John and Jamie).

Sondra is survived by her daughter Evelyn Verna Alden, her son John Ralph Alden, her daughter-in-law Deborah Michelle Alden, and her grandchildren Emily Gertrude Alden, Anna Marie Wenner, John Christopher Alden, and Jamie Leigh Alden. She was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn Emily Hoover Updike and Ralph Emerson Updike as well as her daughter, Rebecca Lee Alden Wenner. 

A service will be held at Overland Park Christian Church, 7600 West 75th Street, Overland Park, KS, 66204, on December 20, 2024 at 10:30 am. She will be interred with her parents at Mount Hope Cemetery in Humboldt at a later date. 

Memorial donations in Sondra’s memory may be directed to the food pantry at Overland Park Christian Church.

A Celebration of Life for Marian Bilyea will take place at Overland Park Christian Church on Friday, February 16th at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. The family will receive visitors, also in the sanctuary, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
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​You are also invited to join us for the livestream of this service which will be shared here, and on our OPCC Facebook page at 10:00 a.m.; you do not have to have Facebook in order to watch the service online if you prefer to watch there.

Marian Louise Reid Bilyea joined the radiant throng in Heaven on the 8th of February, 2024.
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As was her way, she did so without fuss or commotion, seeking a quiet path toward her Lord with whom she has been in steady conversation for decades.

Marian was born in Columbia, Missouri on May 6, 1931 to  Professor William H. E. and Mrs. Rose Reid. She was their third and final child, following her late brother Bob and sister Virginia who survives her.  She attended the University School for primary, intermediate and high school education before attending the University of Missouri and achieving her degree in Home Economics with an emphasis in Textiles.  Subsequently, Marian took a position at Stephan’s College as Social Director which she released in order to accept a position at KOMU as a host of the show “Ladies' Faire”.  This early television show featured cooking and appliance demonstrations. 

Marian wed Dr. George D. Bilyea on August 8, 1953.  After a move to Overland Park, Ks, they had two children, Teri and David, who both survive their mother.  Marian was blessed by two grandsons, Will ( son of Teri and the late Bob Hudson) and George, ( son of David and Julie Bilyea) who also survive their grandmother. 

Marian’s life was entirely focused on being of service to others.  During her children’s growing up years, after a stint as receptionist at Overland Pet Clinic,  Marian was a school secretary.  More than one principal inferred that she was the actual CEO of the school, he was just a figurehead.  She demurred, always content to work in the background, never aspiring to credentials. She believed both her children were first rate.  Her children were grateful for  her never ending cheerleading. She was a careful keeper of documentation.  Summer vacations, or grocery shopping, building a house or caring for her husband during serious illness, she took careful notes and was an epic list maker.

At age 80, having lost George to Illness many years before, Marian met and married  the late Rick Everist and moved out of Overland Park to Lakeview Independent Living in Lenexa.  There she enjoyed friendships of the deep and devoted kind.  Lakeview days were filled with walks, exercise, dinners in the Fountainview Room and camaraderie.

Marian is an over 60 year member of the Overland Park Christian Church, PEO, DAR and Gamma Phi Beta.

​A Celebration of Life
Carl J. Brockman
​November 17, 1924 - December 11, 2022

A Celebration of Life for Carl Brockman will take place at Overland Park Christian Church on Friday, December 3rd at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
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​You are also invited to join us for the livestream which will be shared here, and on our OPCC Facebook page; you do not have to have Facebook in order to watch the service online if you prefer to watch there.

Carl J. Brockman, 98, of Prairie Village, KS passed away Sunday, December 11, 2022 at his home with loved ones by his side. The Celebration of Life service will be 2 p.m., Friday, December 23rd at the Overland Park Christian Church (member since 1957). A private interment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to Overland Park Christian Church in lieu of flowers. Donations can be sent to 7600 W 75th St, Overland Park, KS 66204 in memory of Carl Brockman.
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Carl was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. Carl served in the Army Air Corp. He was a graduate of University of Missouri- Kansas City. He worked as a Sales Representative for Cutter Laboratories. Carl was happily married to Martha Brockman for 69 years, until Martha passed December 15, 2016. Carl is survived by their children, Lance (Cheryl) Brockman, Bruce (Laurie) Brockman, and Leslie Twite; grandchildren, Jason, Haydn, Ben, Andrew, Amy, Austin, and Alicia; and great-grandchildren, Haley, Jack, Rohr, Hazel, Poppy, Solomon, and Kinsley.

A Celebration of Life
MARY JEAN (JEANIE) ZACHER
May 10, 1924 – March 12, 2021
JOSEPH (JOE) ZACHER
August 18, 1922 – July 20, 2022

A Celebration of Life for Joe and Jean Zacher will take place at Overland Park Christian Church on Saturday, September 24th at 11:00 a.m. 
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​You are also invited to join us for the livestream which will be shared here on our website, and on our OPCC Facebook page; you do not have to have Facebook in order to watch the service online.

Jeanie was born in Carthage, Missouri, to James Mack Davis and Jessie Arvilla (Kammerdiener) Davis. She lived most of her growing-up years in Joplin, Missouri.

Jeanie married Joe Zacher in 1951, and they settled in Prairie Village, Kansas. She was an avid crafter who loved to sew, knit, and create unique items of clothing and household items. She created many oil paintings as a student of Bob Byerly and also created greeting cards and wrote poetry. She donated many hand-knitted items to the Christmas Tree at Overland Park Disciples of Christ, where she and Joe were members for 60+ years, and where Joe was a deacon and Jean was a deaconness. She made 100+ handmade dolls called Tire Patch Kids for the 1985 Horseless Carriage Club National Meet in Kansas City. After Joe's retirement from veterinary medicine, they took many cruises where they enjoyed traveling the world and meeting many new friends.

Joe and Jean spent their final years at home entertaining each other by singing Chiquita Banana, Blueberry Hill, the Hokey Pokey, and Big Band songs to each other.

Jean is predeceased by her parents, and her brother, James Mack Jr.  She is survived by Joe, her husband of 69 years, and their two children, Peggy (Doug) Overstreet of Prairie Village, Kansas, and Brett Zacher of Holden, Massachusetts.

Services for Jean will be at a yet-to-be-determined time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society.

Joe was born in St. Louis, MO, to Joseph Zacher and Pearl (Hemme) Zacher. After high school, he enlisted in the Army in 1940. He was assigned to Chemical Warfare Service in Camp Detrick, Frederick, Maryland. In 1946, he was promoted to Captain, and awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Oakleaf Cluster and other medals.

After his service, he received his degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri Veterinary College in Columbia, Missouri. He was co-owner with Dr. Joseph Gelb, of Antioch Dog and Cat Hospital in Kansas City North from 1961 to 1985. The two doctors were the best of friends.

Joe married Mary Jean Davis in 1951, and they made their home in Prairie Village, Kansas, where they raised their two children, Peggy and Brett.

Joe was a classic car collector and restorer of antique juke boxes. Two of Joe's cars can be seen in the movies, Truman, and Mr. and Mrs. Bridge.
Joe and Jean were members of Overland Park Disciples of Christ for 60 years. Upon retirement, they enjoyed participating in the Horseless Carriage Club, taking a variety of world cruises, and meeting new friends.

Joe and Jean spent their final years at home entertaining each other by singing Blueberry Hill, Chiquita Banana, and Big Band songs.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, his sister Laverne Nighswander, and Jean, his wife of almost 70 years. He is survived by their daughter Peggy (Doug) Overstreet, of Prairie Village, Kansas, and their son, Brett Zacher, of Holden, Massachusetts.
Services for Joe will be at a yet-to-be-determined time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), or to an animal shelter of your choice.

A Celebration of Life
Dixie Dee "Dee Dee" Dempsey Shoemaker
​December 7, 1959 - August 16, 2022

A Celebration of Life for Dee Dee Shoemaker will take place at Overland Park Christian Church on Saturday, August 27th at 4:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors AFTER to the service at from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

​You are also invited to join the livestream which will be shared here, on the OPCC Facebook page, and the Broadway Church Facebook Page; you do not have to have Facebook in order to watch the service on Facebook.

For more information on parking and accessing the Sanctuary, please visit the bottom of our Sunday Morning Worship, page. 

A Celebration of Life for Doris Watts will take place at Overland Park Christian Church on Saturday, August 20th at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive visitors prior to the service at 10:30 a.m., also in the sanctuary.
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​You are also invited to join us for the livestream which will be shared here, and on our OPCC Facebook page; you do not have to have Facebook in order to watch the service online.

Doris E. Watts, 94, of Shawnee, KS, passed away August 8th at Villa St. Francis nursing home in Olathe, KS.  Doris was born and raised on a farm in central Kansas.  She became a beautician at age 18 and a nurse at 26 after training at KU Medical Center.  In 1954 she began working for the doctor that eventually formed Kansas City Women’s Clinic, where she continued to work in various roles into her eighties. Her nursing career spanned over 50 years.

She raised her sons in Prairie Village, later moving to Overland Park and then Shawnee.  She was a wonderful mother who almost always had a smile on her face.  She was active in her church, and in her spare time, you would find her either playing bridge or sewing.  Her memory will be treasured by her family and her many friends.

She was preceded in death by two brothers: Martin and Pete Zimmerman, and four sisters: Lela Lolling, Rosa Bratton, Elner Beck and Violet Fitzpatrick.  She leaves two sons, Kevin and Phillip.  

A memorial service will be held Saturday August 20th at Overland Park Christian Church, 7600 W 75th St, Overland Park, KS 66204.  Visitation begins at 10:30am and the service at 11:00.

​A Celebration of Life
Margaret "Margo" Ann Brown
​April 2, 1931 - January 4, 2021

A Celebration of Life for Margo Brown will take place at Overland Park Christian Church on Tuesday, January 23 at 1:00 .m.  ​Due to COVID restrictions, only the family will gather in the sanctuary, and masks and social distancing are required for anyone entering the building.  
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​You are also invited to join us for the livestream which will be shared on our OPCC Facebook page; you do not have to have Facebook in order to watch the service online.

Scripture Readings - Selections from Matthew 5 & 6
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Words of Promise and Hope (including Psalm 23)

Special Music - In the Garden
 
Prayer of Commendation
 
Blessing and Benediction

​Postlude

Margaret Ann Daniels Brown passed away peacefully on January 4, 2021. Born in Flat River, MO on April 2, 1931, she was the third of four children of Ernest & Mildred Daniels. She was born at home so she thought it may be possible that she was actually born on April 1 (April Fool's Day) and her folks changed the date so this legacy wouldn't follow her around in life. This theory may explain her mischievousness but she was no fool – the humorous Margo could light up a room with her quick-wit, ready smile & warmhearted laugh.
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In 1st grade, her family moved to Jefferson City, MO. After 5th grade, the family moved to GA & OK before making their way to Kansas City where she graduated from Central High School. The Daniels children (Dewey, Nedra & Mary) were very close through the years & their friendships were always treasured by Margo. In 1947, Margo met Jack Brown at a dance at her church, Community Christian, in KCMO. After 3 dates, he asked her to be his "babe" & the rest is history. On September 10, 1949, they were married at the same church.

After living in Columbia, MO, where Jack completed his degree, the couple moved back to KC & started their family. Margo & Jack joined Overland Park Christian Church in 1956 where they remained active, life-long members and had many dear friendships. Their lives were built around their family & faith. Margo was a dedicated homemaker who worked tirelessly, cooking delicious meals & desserts; sewing & decorating the home with an artist's eye. She never took herself too seriously and loved to laugh. There were many family vacations, antiquing, camping & visiting historic sites. She was ever ready to listen & offer sought after advice & was always the peacemaker. She helped her grandchildren see how special they were, helping many of them through life's ups & downs. Her home with Jack was always a warm & loving place & all were welcome. She was easy to love & will be missed. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, siblings & husband. She is survived by her children, Melinda Lee, Margaret Brown (Mark), Jill Bayne, Jack (Terri) Brown, Tom (Gina) Brown & Jennifer (Peter) Lee; her grandchildren, Brett, Danielle, Megan, Jacob, Aaron, Laurie, Caleb, Audrey, Katie, Miles, Luke, Judson, Annie, Ciara, Graham & Ian; and 14 great grandchildren. 

A private family service will be held on Saturday, January 23rd at 1:00 pm at Overland Park Christian. The service will be live streamed on the church's website. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Overland Park Christian Church or 
a charity of choice.

​A Celebration of Life
Ferne Maddux-DUMM
​April 28, 1926 - December 29, 2020

A Celebration of Life for Ferne Maddux-Dumm will take place at Overland Park Christian Church on Tuesday, January 5 at 11:00 a.m.  ​Due to COVID restrictions, only 45 people will be allowed in the sanctuary at one time, and masks and social distancing are required for anyone entering the building.  
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​You are also invited to join us for the livestream which will be shared on our OPCC Facebook page; you do not have to have Facebook in order to watch the service online.

Gathering Music
 
Words of Welcome and Comfort 

Opening Prayer

Special Music - How Do I Help You to Say Goodbye
                                                                                          
Words of Remembrance 
 
Special Music - In the Garden
 
Scripture Readings
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Words of Promise and Hope
 
Celebration of Communion

Special Music - Go Rest High on that Mountain
 
Prayer of Commendation
 
Blessing and Benediction

Ferne Maddux Dumm, 94, of Overland Park, KS passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at her home surrounded by family. She was born April 28, 1926 in Brookfield, Missouri, the daughter of Henry and Martha Wilken. Ferne enjoyed needle work, painting, and crafting.

​She is preceded in death by husbands James J. Maddux and Merle Dumm; her parents; and nine siblings. She is survived by three children, James M. Maddux, Patricia Leckrone, and Carolyn Patrick (Harold); four grandchildren, Tricia, Larry, John, and Jason; five great grandchildren, Holly, Lawrence, Jasmine, Grant, and Gaige; and three great-great grandchildren, Matthew, Lindsay, and Macie.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Monday, January 4, 2021 at Overland Park Christian Church. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 5, 2021 beginning at 11:00 A.M. at the church with burial following at the Maple Hill Cemetery. All COVID protocols will be in place, and masks will be required while at the church.

A Celebration of Life
PHYLLIS COOKE
​March 29, 1933 - December 14, 2020

A Celebration of Life for Phyllis Cooke will take place at Overland Park Christian Church on Sunday, December 21 at 11:30 a.m. A visitation will take place one hour prior.
​Due to COVID restrictions, only 45 people will be allowed in the sanctuary at one time, and masks and social distancing are required for anyone entering the building.  
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​You are also invited to join us for the livestream which will be shared here on our website, and also on the OPCC Facebook page; you do not have to have Facebook in order to watch the service online

Prelude
 
Words of Welcome and Comfort (Psalm 23)

Opening Prayer

Special Music - Amazing Grace
                                                                                          
Words of Remembrance 
 
Special Music - In the Sweet By-and-By / In the Garden
 
Scripture Readings

• Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
• Proverbs 31:10-31

 
Words of Promise and Hope
 
Special Music - O Holy Night
 
Prayer of Commendation
 
Blessing and Benediction(Revelation 21:3-5)

Postlude

Phyllis Cooke, 87, of Overland Park, KS, passed away Monday, December 14, 2020.

Phyllis was born March 29, 1933 in Livingston County, MO to James Harold and Mina Elizabeth Evans Denham.  Raised in the small farming communities of Ludlow and Dawn, MO she was the eldest of 10 children.  She left the farm after high school to enter        Research School of Nursing where she earned her RN degree.  The next few years were spent working at Research Medical Center and the VA Medical Center in Kansas City before becoming a full-time mother and homemaker.

In Kansas City she met Harvey, the tall, handsome teacher, at a singles group at Community Christian Church on the Country Club Plaza and they were soon married.  Together they raised a son and daughter always instilling in them the importance of education, strong morals and faith.  Eventually four grandchildren came along and Phyllis couldn’t have been happier.  She loved her grandchildren deeply and was always there to help care for them.  Phyllis was a wonderful seamstress and enjoyed singing in the church choir.  Study Club, Overland Park Christian Church Women’s Circle and being involved in Steve & Pam’s activities were some of her favorite pastimes.  Along with her homemaking duties, Harvey kept her busy fixing up and maintaining their rental properties for many years. 

Her husband, Harvey J. Cooke, died January 6, 2016. She was also preceded in death by four siblings, Shirley Cook, Kathryn DuBois, Ron Denham and Jim Denham.

She is survived by her children, Pam (the late Charles) Engelken and Steve (Julia) Cooke; a sister, Carolyn Huff; brothers, David Denham, John Denham, Kenneth Denham and Bill Denham and her grandchildren, Stephanie Cooke, Mallory Cooke, Michael Engelken and Jaimie (Brian) Soetaert.

Funeral services will be Monday Dec. 21st at 11:30 am at the Overland Park Christian Church with burial following in Johnson County Memorial Gardens. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. The service is being live streamed and may be viewed on the OPCC Facebook Page or the OPCC Website.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Overland Park Christian Church, Lumicare Hospice or to “The Steeple of Light” (Frank Lloyd Wright) restoration fund at Community Christian Church.

Obituary courtesy of Amos Family Funeral Home