Victoria Alvarado

Victoria Alvarado of Kansas City, MO went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 11, 2019. She passed away peacefully in the home and the care of her daughter and granddaughter at the age of 91. Born December 20, 1927, in Wichita, KS, she was the daughter of Refugio and Walburga (Schugart) Ramirez.

On May 1, 1948, she married her hero, the late Benjamin Alvarado, following his return from WWII. During their 66 years of marriage, the couple raised five children and cared for Ben's brother in their small home in Ruskin Heights. Victoria worked alongside her husband at Advertising Arts Sign Co., the family business, in Grandview, MO, until they retired. As a teenager she formally danced in the Mexican folklórico, but throughout her life music was informally connected to her feet. She could dance as light as a butterfly and would turn the family room into a dance floor as quick as a wink. She enjoyed worshipping at what is now Forerunner Christian Fellowship for over 30 years. She volunteered at the church, serving the Women's Ministry.

Victoria had a passion for Jesus that quietly inspired her devotion to her husband, her love for her children and her compassion for others. She had a servant's heart, a winsome smile and an attentive way that was always gracious, humble and forever young. Her lighthearted playfulness launched a thousand giggles in her grandchildren and lit up the room for adults. Despite her struggle with Alzheimer's in her later years, she never lost her radiant smile, her sweet spirit, and her generous "I love you's." Now dancing on the streets that are golden, Victoria is victorious!

She is survived by sons Tom and wife Linda of Belton, MO, Peter and wife Melinda of Deepwater, MO, Daniel and wife Lesa of Graham, NC; daughters Alicia and husband Mike Foster of Hermosa, SD, and Natalie and husband Bob Kline of Kansas City, MO. She is also survived by half-brothers Victor and Bernardo Ramirez and half-sister Beatriz Sanchez. We are unable to get an accurate count on Victoria's grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren as they won't sit still long enough. In addition to her husband Benjamin, she was predeceased by her sister Virginia Drakenberg and brother James Ricardo Ramirez.

A memorial service will be held on her birthday, December 20, 2019 at McGilley & George Funeral Home, 12913 Grandview Road, Grandview, MO 64030. Visitation begins at 11:00AM. Service begins at 12:00PM. Burial will take place in Mount Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64138.