Meta Ann (Knecht) White passed November 8, 2023 following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. She leaves her husband of 64 years, Paul White, and daughters Paula (Michael) Kenney and Claudia White. She is preceded in death by her parents Gus and Gladys “Happy” Knecht and brother Claude “Bud” Knecht. She was a life-long resident of Kansas City, MO.
Meta Ann was a gifted singer and especially loved musical theater. She was often called upon to sing for special occasions and at the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star events for her parents. She was a life member of Mu Phi Epsilon music fraternity. She would have loved to pursue music as a career but chose instead to earn a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from the University of Missouri -- Kansas City. That was fortuitous because she met her husband and lifelong partner, Paul, at the dental office. Throughout their more than 65 years together, they enjoyed cooking, hosting family and friends for dinner, visiting museums, and going to concerts. They were season ticket holders to the symphony, opera, chamber music and jazz series, and enjoyed occasional trips to Chicago to see the Chicago Lyric Opera.
Meta Ann was a devoted and creative mother and served as a Girl Scout Leader and cookie sale chairwoman for many years. She put aside her disdain for messes to have the entire Girl Scout troop on her patio cooking eggs on stoves made of tin coffee cans. A reluctant but gifted seamstress, she sewed her daughter Paula’s wedding gown and Claudia’s marching band drum major uniforms. Crafty and DIY-minded before it was popular, her true creative passions were cross stitch and especially needle point – often painting her own canvases. Over the years, she created many treasured items including quilts, seat cushions, pillows, and even a small Oriental-inspired rug. She never met an old oak chair she didn’t want to save, strip, and refinish. At Christmas, she was famous for her platters of beautiful cookies, including several German recipes.
The last few years were marked by the unfortunate effects of Alzheimer’s disease. The family was lucky that throughout the disease, she always still knew and recognized those closest to her. Even in difficult days, her caregivers all described her as kind and funny. Her family is extremely grateful for the generous, loving care she received in her final days.
Meta Ann loved animals and especially their family cats. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Ladies Farm & Sanctuary, a small non-profit animal rescue in Riverview, FL run by daughter Claudia, or the animal charity of your choice.
Visitation will be Monday, 2 pm, November 13, 2023 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home with private interment to follow.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the White family.
