Carolee D. Atha

Carolee was born May 23, 1923, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She graduated in the Southwest High school Class of 1940 and she relished and organized many class reunions. She attended and graduated from William Woods College with an associate degree of Arts. After working 3 years for TWA, Carolee married Russell Atha, Jr. in September 1946. Completely devoted to each other, Russ and Carolee enjoyed 69 Years of marriage until Russ passed away in 2016.

During their 69 years together they raised four children: Russell III, Karen, Diane and Perry along with their niece Darleen Sandlin. Russ and Carolee shared their love of the water and mountains by dividing their time between three residences- Mission Hills, Lake Lotawana and Vail, Colorado. Russ and Carolee enjoyed and cherished the numerous lifelong friendships they developed over the years in each of these places. Carolee was beautiful inside and out. She loved people. She had an infectious laugh, a kind and beautiful smile and was a great listener. She graciously hosted many memorable gatherings in each of her homes.

Carolee could often be seen tending her garden, arranging flowers, chatting on the phone, cooking or writing a quick note to a friend. She has an amazing collection of owls all over the house that provided a game for the grandchildren to attempt to count. She delighted in the company of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, always eager for descriptions of their activities, adventures at school or with their friends. Carolee touched many lives with her generous spirit. She was involved with many organizations: CCVI (Children’s Center for the

Visually Impaired), K.C. Art Institute, Nettleton Home, Women's Council at UMKC, Friends of the Library at UMKC, Janet Boone, Delta Gamma Sorority, Mission Hills Country Club, Missouri Yacht Club, Social Butterflies, Society of Fellows and the Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist.

She was preceded in death by her husband Russell Atha Jr.; her parents, Henry Edward Dreier and Dora Ann Lee Dreier; and her brother H. Edward Drier, Jr. Her surviving family includes her children, Russell E. Atha III (Carol Ann), Karen Atha Dunn (Larry), Diane Atha Harriman (Jeff), Perry Dean Atha (Kathy); 9 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. The Family would like to express their gratitude for the love, compassion and care provided by Mary's Angels for both Mom and Dad during the past several years as they transitioned into God’s hands. St. Luke’s Hospice provided wonderful and loving care at the end as well.

A private memorial service will be held for the family. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at: dignitymemorial.com under “obituaries and services”. Any who wish to make a memorial gift in honor of Carolee are encouraged to support: Powell Gardens, 1609 NW US Hwy 50 Kingsville, MO 64061 or Lake Lotawana Parks and Recreation, 19 B Street Lake Lotawana, MO 64086.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.