Lola J Worden

Lola June Worden, 78, of Bonner Springs, KS, passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on September 24th, 2019. She was surrounded by her husband of almost 58 years, Gary Worden and daughters, Kim and Michelle Worden, who loved her dearly. They reminded her daily of their love for her, which always brought a smile to her face. Her girls told her regularly that she was “the best Mom ever.” As they also told her and Lola’s life displayed, she was a very strong person - strong to withstand years of health challenges, but more importantly strong in her faith, strong in the face of adversity and strong in character.

She was the best role model of fearlessness and living life to its fullest. She had many opportunities throughout her life to be sidelined by fear, but if she ever felt it, she absolutely never showed it. She truly loved life and found a way to make even simple things fun. Like using multi-colored sugar on Cream of Wheat for a Mary Poppins breakfast while singing cheerfully about a spoon full of sugar. Just one of many, many examples. Lola was great at turning a house into a home and anything into a party...always making celebrations the best! Christmas was her favorite holiday, and while the focus was on the true meaning of the day, she enjoyed every detail of the season and always gave her home a wonderful holiday atmosphere with decorations, music and festive foods.

Lola was the life of the party at any gathering, which started at a young age. She was adventurous, courageous and a go-getter. She was popular at Ruskin High School, on the cheerleading squad, in music club and other fun activities she could add. She attended school with her future husband, Gary, who enjoyed visits at her house and trips to the lake with Lola and friends, waiting patiently for her to have fun and eventually see him as boyfriend material. She was not one to slow down for anyone. But as he’d hoped, Lola came to love the patient, steady, faithful young man who always loved her. The two married on November 26, 1961. Having a family was in Lola’s heart, and Kimberly Jean was born in 1963, followed by Michelle Marie in 1966. Life became an adventure for the tight-knit foursome, making homes in many states across the country. Again, Lola always creating the perfect home atmosphere for her family.

Eventually, Gary and Lola returned to their Kansas City roots, settling in Bonner Springs. She was thrilled to be back with her parents, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends again. From family gatherings to fishing, craft fairs, fun outings and events, to movies, dinners, and travel Lola squeezed the joy out of every moment. She loved wildlife sightings of any kind. But, seeing deer in a field was a particularly “good wildlife day.” She had many of those days.

Bonner Springs is where Lola lived until her last year of hospitalizations, rehab and ultimately time at the Kansas City Hospice House. The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, staff, chaplains, musicians, and volunteers for your compassionate care for Mom and the family during her stay. It truly was the best place for her to end her journey on this earth. Lola never asked, “why me?” She never gave up the fight, but eventually gave into the leading of her spirit to her Lord and Savior. While the family is thankful she is no longer in pain but rejoicing in Heaven, they are feeling the painful absence of a beautiful person who was a real force in life. The light of their lives has dimmed. Until they meet again.

Lola is survived by family members she loved dearly - her husband and two daughters; sisters and brothers-in-law, Caryl and Jack Nettleton and Nancy and Joe Burns; cherished nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She would want them all to remember how deeply she loved them and to enjoy their lives to the fullest as she did.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 27th, 2:00 pm at Acquaint Gathering 512 Capelle St., Grain Valley, MO 64029. Family and friends are invited to come share fellowship and fun memories of Lola. Directions below under "Services.".