Jacqueline "Jackie" Busch

About That Dash (–)

Jacqueline (Howell) Busch was born a twin in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on April 19, 1930 to the late Jack Howell and Coretha (Coker) Howell. She was the second born of ten children. Both parents preceded her in death, as well as her husband of 63 years, Guy Busch, Jr., Brother Walter Howell and sisters, Betty Jean Sayles and Vera Mae Harris.

The family relocated to the Kansas City area in the late 1930’s where Jacqueline attended public school, graduating R.T. Coles Vocational High school in 1944. She began training for cosmetology at the high school, but completed her certificate and licensing with the Madame C.J. Walker School then located in the 18th & Vine business district. Jackie possessed a strong work ethic from her youth, in her early teens she and twin sister Juanita worked in the family restaurant “LIVE & LET LIVE” located on 12th street, where she would soon meet the love of her life, Guy Busch. They were wed August 27, 1946 when he returned from duty in the U.S. Navy. To this union two children were born, a daughter and a son. As a young adult Jackie held positions with the Plaza Laundry located at 42nd & Pennsylvania, for several years she worked as a domestic for the Nelson household and for 30 years she served in several full-time positions with Volume Services of Kansas City, working at Kemper Arena, Royals & Arrowhead Stadium where she served primarily on the Club Level and was a management favorite. Jackie united with the Macedonia Baptist Church in 1949 with her husband Guy. She faithfully attended church, Sunday school and Baptist Training Union. In the early 1980’s she requested and was re-baptized by then pastor, Reverend Preston Allen, Jr. Jackie loved to sing and was one of the church’s foremost soprano soloists. For twenty years she served as the primary music director for Macedonia Choir #2, during her tenure this choir was able to raise funds for the purchase of a brand new baby grand piano for the church sanctuary. In 2001, the church’s 85th anniversary, she and husband Guy were presented with the Macedonia Baptist Church Dedicated Service Award.

Jackie Busch could “Throw Down”; she knew her way around the kitchen and was known for the most delectable homemade rolls. She loved gathering all the family in her home for holidays and special family celebrations. She enjoyed a great many hobbies and past-times, cooking, entertaining, a friendly game of cards and traveling far and wide. Civic and community minded in early years she participated with the Kansas City PIONEERS group and held membership with ‘The Modern Socialites’ a young ladies social club. In later years she joined the Central Walking Club to promote exercise and healthy living among the mature in the urban core.

In 2006, Jackie was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s disease. She consented and was a participant for the next two years in a research project which studied the effects of exercise on Alzheimer patients, all while maintaining employment with the help of friends. She lived with this life altering disease until Friday morning, January 19, where she made a peaceful transition in the home of her daughter surrounded by immediate family.

While she will be missed by many, Jacqueline leaves to cherish her memory: son, Guy Busch, III (Patricia); Daughter, Guietta Busch-Payne; Grandson(s), Darnell Busch (Dachia), Guy Michael Busch of Sacramento, CA; Brothers, John Kane, Herman Richard Adams and brother-in-law, George Sayles; Sisters: Juanita Howell, Clara Jean Ivey, Savannah Anderson and Yvonne Brown, all of the Kansas City area. She also leaves to celebrate her life and legacy a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Service11:00am Thursday Jan 25, 2018 Macedonia Baptist Church. Family will receive friends from 9:00 am tell the service time. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery Thursday at 2:30pm.