Connie Burns Deister, 93, died of pancreatic cancer at her Independence home Monday, October 17, 2011. During her 38 years with the Kansas City, Missouri public schools she taught first and seventh grades and retired as principal of Carlisle and Sugar Creek elementary schools. After she retired on her 65th birthday she worked for the UMKC education department supervising student teachers. She had earned a Master’s degree and done post graduate work at UMKC and earned her B.A. from KC Teacher’s College. In the 1960s, Mrs. Deister was the guardian of Bethel 29 Job’s Daughters and held state office in the guardian organization. She was recently honored for 50+ years as an Eastern Star member. She was a lifetime member of The Connie Burns American Legion Auxiliary post named after the uncle Deister. She was active in Delta Kappa Gamma, holding both chapter and state offices. Mrs. Deister is survived by her daughter, Dr. Bobbie Deister. Graveside services will be held at Mt. Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, on Friday, October 28 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the American Diabetes Association, 10580 Barkley, Suite 400, Overland Park, Kansas 66212 or the Vision Research Foundation of Kansas City, 2300 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64108. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.
