Suanne Comfort

Suanne (McDaniel) Comfort, age 83, of Raytown, MO, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, MO. She was born in Hannibal, Missouri, on August 25, 1941, the daughter of Dean Tolle and Roberta Jean (McMaster) McDaniel.

She graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1959. She then attended Christian College and the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 1963. While teaching elementary music in Belton, MO, she then spent summers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, earning her Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Michigan.

Suanne was united in marriage to Charles Edwin Comfort on June 18, 1966, in Columbia, MO. She was preceded in death by her husband on March 19, 2020; her parents, and one younger sister, Eileen McDaniel. She is survived by one daughter, Kelly Lynn Comfort of Houston, TX; one sister, Donna Jean (Jerry) Myers of Shelbyville, MO; and 6 nieces and nephews.

Suanne taught elementary vocal music for 37 years in Belton and then Raytown schools.

She founded the handbell program at Raytown Christian Church in 1971 and directed the bell choirs for over 50 years. The Inspiration Ringers rang in most of the 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. She also enjoyed directing the church’s adult and youth choirs for many years, serving as Music Director on staff up until her passing.

In addition to her affiliation with Raytown Christian Church she loved being an active member of the PEO Sisterhood, a national philanthropic and educational organization of women, for over 62 years, and was a founding member of PEO Chapter KH of Kansas City. Suanne was the Missouri state chair of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, now known as Handbell Musicians of America, and very active in their Area 8 activities, taking her ringers to area and national conferences for over 30 years. She was likewise involved in the Choristers Guild, serving as the president of the Kansas City chapter for many years, which provides mutual support and growth for children and youth music ministries. Additionally, she was a member of the Raytown Retired Teachers Association and the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Raytown Christian Church in her name. https://raytowncc.org/

Service information:

Date - Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024

TIme - 4:00 service, reception following in Fellowship Hall

Location - Raytown Christian Church, 6108 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO, 64133

To view the video of Suanne's Celebration of Life go to https://tinyurl.com/ComfortService