Carolyn Buell Van Ness

Carolyn Kay (Buell) Van Ness, 56, Olathe, Kansas passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at the Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri after a valiant and brave battle with breast cancer.

A visitation will be at held at 12:00pm on Thursday, December 27, 2018, followed by a funeral service at 1:00pm, at the Mount Moriah, Newcomer, & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri.

Carolyn was born on Sunday, April 15, 1962, in Kansas City, Missouri to Dorothy (Dot) and Donald (Don) Buell. She grew up in Leawood, Kansas attending Corinth Elementary, Meadowbrook Junior High, and Shawnee Mission East High School. After high school, she was honored with the distinguished title of being a BOTAR “Belles Of The American Royal”. At the age of almost two years old, Carolyn became critically ill with what was later determined to be sepsis and almost died. The most effective known cure at the time was penicillin to which she was extremely allergic. Thanks to the incredible dedication of her pediatrician, Dr. R. Donald Blim, the selfless gift of a full blood transfusion provided by family friend, Les Fleming, the relentless love and constant devotion by her parents, and the many prayers lifted by her family, family friends and community members, she survived! Glory be to God!

Carolyn had a gift for the English language and soon found her true calling…journalism and serving the community. She attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, where she attended the school of journalism. She then transferred to Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, and became a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Carolyn finished her college studies at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, graduating from the School of Journalism. Upon graduation, Carolyn worked for many organizations utilizing her journalism and community relations expertise. She worked for companies such as Literacy KC, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Hallmark, and other marketing companies. Early on she worked for the Olathe Chamber of Commerce where she was introduced to her future husband, Russell (Russ) Van Ness, an officer for the Olathe Police Department. A friendship soon turned into spending many fun times together followed by an engagement to be married. On June 12, 1993, Carolyn and Russ were married at Country Club Christian Church, and that summer moved into their home in Olathe, Kansas. They enjoyed many activities, including camping, going to the lake, spending time with friends, and being with Russ’ children, Angie and Morgan. Soon she was blessed with her first grandchild, Gage McMullan. He lit up her world and she cherished every moment with him. Soon after, she celebrated the arrival of grandchildren, Curtis, Preston, and Nathan Van Ness, all of whom she was proud and treasured dearly. Carolyn continued to serve the community as Chapter Advisor for Baker University’s Alpha Chi Omega making weekly trips to and from Baldwin to meet with the girls, listen to their needs, assist in the daily operations of the house, as well as coordinate communications with the national office. She was active with Kansas City’s Women’s City Club, Kansas City Museum’s Friends of Corinthian Hall, and in multiple other volunteer organizations. She felt called to serve the community of which she was so proud…Kansas City! Carolyn also loved children and soon utilized her passion by working with special needs preschoolers at Overland Trail Elementary School.

Carolyn always wanted two little redheaded children. In 2003, Carolyn and Russ celebrated the arrival of their son, Sean Michael Van Ness, a redhead! His arrival brought much excitement and joy to their lives! In 2004, Carolyn and Russ were delighted with the arrival of their daughter, Alexis Grace Van Ness, also a redhead! She was the most beautiful little girl and had the sweetest face. Carolyn found every opportunity to share many adventures with the children, often with her niece, Sydney, included. Sean, Alexis, and Sydney were their own playgroup adventurers! Trips to the pumpkin patch to find the perfect selection, parks to explore, shows and plays, exhibitions, zoos, museums, the lake, and the list was endless. Time has flown by and now Sean is a sophomore at Olathe East High School, and Alexis is a freshman currently studying via an online schooling program. Carolyn always wanted to give her children the best of families filled with unconditional love and support. She wanted to give them what she knew growing up. Carolyn’s greatest accomplishment and her most profound mission was always her children and her family! They were her utmost joy! Other members of her family also included dogs, T-Bone and Rocky, and rabbits, Cooper and Delilah. Whenever she found a moment to sit down, all of the animals were quick to find their spot beside her and seek her affection.

Carolyn had many friends throughout the years and enjoyed being involved in many activities. She was always quick to help others in need and extend a hand, smile, or kind word to whomever she met. She relished making someone else’s day brighter. Most of all, Carolyn cherished her family beyond measure. Family was of the utmost importance to her. The tradition of spending holidays and any occasion with family was joyfully anticipated and provided many fond long-lasting memories. Carolyn also adored her friends. To her each one was special, a gift kept near and dear to her heart. With her friends, there was always laughter and great conversation, and once a friend always a friend.

Each holiday was celebrated with family. Fond memories include Easter parades around the promenade in Kansas City’s Northeast District, huge Thanksgiving meals around the table filled with laughter, Christmas Eve sleepovers with cousins all gathered in one room and the Christmas morning excitement to see what Santa brought, playing in her grandfather, Baba’s, upstairs office, going to her grandparents’ home and discovering what was in the toy drawer, along with going to the Five and Dime with her grandmother, Dammy, and picking out a toy, seeing her Grandpa Buell welcome her with the biggest of smiles, watching Sean and Alexis run to the Christmas tree and their overstuffed stockings and listening to their screams of glee, looking on as Sean, Alexis, and Sydney hunted for Easter baskets sprinkled throughout the yard, Fourth of July celebrations – Carolyn’s favorite holiday - and the decorating of Sean’s and Alexis’ bikes for the neighborhood parade and later in the evening watching the glow of fireworks light up the sky, and the list goes on and on. Carolyn also enjoyed many vacations with her family. One of her most treasured times was spending summers at the Lake of the Ozarks. Memories were made swimming, water skiing, fishing, playing games, configuring jigsaw puzzles, and enjoying the outdoors. Carolyn also enjoyed spending time in one of her all-time favorite places, Marco Island, Florida. She soaked in the sun, the warm breezes, and the peacefulness experienced in what seemed like paradise! The saying “just another day in paradise” exemplified her affection for Marco Island.

Carolyn’s curiosity, creativity and adventurous way made her see the world as an open book yet to be colored. Her gregarious spirit and innate kindness were contagious and welcomed. She will be missed, but her mark on this world is indelible.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald S. and Dorothy J. Buell, Leawood, Kansas; grandparents, Walter C. and Nell Newcom, Kansas City, Missouri, and Frank and Anna Buell, Kansas City, Missouri; along with loved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Survivors include her husband, Russell Van Ness, son, Sean Van Ness, and daughter, Alexis Van Ness, all of the home, Olathe, KS; daughter, Angela (Angie) Van Ness, Osawatomie, KS; son, Morgan Van Ness (Cassidy), O’Fallon, IL; and grandsons, Gage McMullan, Osawatomie, KS, Curtis Van Ness, Preston Van Ness, and Nathan Van Ness, O’Fallon, IL; sister, Nancy Buell Gilman (John), Overland Park, KS; niece, Sydney Gilman, Overland Park, KS; nephews, Seth Gilman (Sarah), Prairie Village, KS, Bryce Gilman, Prairie Village, KS; great nephew, Hudson Gilman, Prairie Village, KS; along with many loving family members.

The family would like to thank Carolyn’s medical oncologist, Dr. Qamar Kahn, Oahn, Stephanie, Karen, and the many other team members at the University of Kansas Medical Center’s Westwood Campus for their endless support and care; Olivia, Cynthia, Janet, as well as the other care partners at Brookdale Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation who lovingly cared for Carolyn; and, last but not least, Estella, Angie, Tracy, the several caregivers, doctors, nurse practitioners, and the many angels of care at Kansas City Hospice House. The family is eternally grateful for their compassion towards Carolyn and the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either Children’s Mercy Hospital, Department of Philanthropy, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108 or Literacy KC, 3036 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64109.

One of Carolyn’s favorite sayings was “Be the change you want to see”! She wanted to spread joy, kindness and compassion to all, and in this she succeeded!