Marian Elizabeth Neal

Born, May 20th, 1926, the same day as her mother, she was raised in the Waldo area of Kansas City, attending Hale Cook Elementary School and graduating from Southwest High School. She attended Baker University where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, an organization she would be active in her entire life, holding several leadership roles including president of the Kansas City alumnae chapter.

She met her future husband, William Latimer Neal (predeceased) at Baker, though their families had been friends for years through their church, Broadway United Methodist Church. Together with Bill and friends they started Kupples Klub at Broadway where they met many life-long friends. She was a member of Johnson County Young Matrons and throughout her years gave her time tirelessly whenever requested.

She leaves behind two children, Philip Neal (Marianne) and Marcia Rowley (Eric). She has 6 grandchildren, Elizabeth Barton (Aaron), Blake Rowley (Jamie), Carley Farrell (Mike), Lauren DiMartino (Phillip), Andrew Neal and Alexandra Egarian (Scott). She is blessed with eight great grandchildren.

An active bridge player her entire life, she was also an avid baker, proficient knitter of baby blankets and hats, a cultivator of knock-out roses, a beautiful pianist, avid reader, the keeper of family history, collector of cut crystal, accomplished seamstress, active shopper (always dressed impeccably), a great party planner, a wiz at numbers and loyal friend to many, in particular Marjorie, Ruthie, Janny, Dorothy, Nancy and Sara.

Widowed at 48, with many challenges ahead she persevered and set a life-long example for her children and grandchildren, “In life you just keep going, and do your very best with what you are given.” And this is what she did...day in and day out – without a single complaint. She will be deeply missed.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday, October 9, at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri.

Memorial gifts may be sent to: Omicron of AXO House Corporation c/o Bonnie Kay, Treasurer

P.O. Box 43, Baldwin City, Kansas 66006