Josephine "Jody" Yager Kleweno

Jody passed away on March 19, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Merle W. Kleweno, in April, 1998, and by her parents, Norma and Bill Yager of Merriam, Kansas. She lived most recently at Bickford of Overland Park and Park Meadows Senior Living and previously had homes in Prairie Village and Mission Hills, Kansas. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22, at Country Club Christian Church. Family members will receive guests following the service in the church parlor. A private interment at Mt. Moriah Cemetery will follow. Jody was born in Butler, Missouri on October 19, 1920, and lived in Kansas City nearly all of her life. She graduated from Westport High School and attended the K.C. Conservatory of Music and Kansas University. She and Merle married in November, 1941. Merle was a pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps, and they lived on several Marine bases before returning to Kansas City in 1946. Shortly after their return, Merle opened the first kitchen-related business which would become Kitchens By Kleweno. Jody was the mother of two daughters, and was actively involved in her community for over half a century, participating in many organizations. She was a life member in the Young Matrons of Kansas City, where she greatly enjoyed the Children’s Theater trouping unit, and she was a member of the Symphony League. History, in general, and her family geneaology, in particular, were among her main interests. She was intrigued by the history of the French Huguenots and their migration to America, her own direct ancestors, and by New Paltz, New York, the town her ancestor, Louis DuBois, helped to found in the 1670’s. She relished her visit to the town and its famous Huguenot Street, often called “the oldest street in the U.S.” She was a member of the Huguenot Society of Missouri and the National Huguenot Society. Jody was also active in numerous other historical organizations. She was president of Chapter XIII of the Colonial Dames of America from 1997 to 2000, and was an active member in the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Tomahawk Chapter. One of Jody’s lifelong passions was her love of antiques. She became a tireless collector and this interest led to her establishing a business conducting estate sales, which thrived for 20 years. She was also one of the founding members of the Antique Clique, and a member of the Questers Antique Club. Jody loved people and would often strike up conversations with strangers. She personified Will Rogers’ observation that “strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet.” Her greatest joys included activities with her family and many friends, and she derived great pleasure from playing bridge, organizing and participating in group bridge lessons, and from growing prize-winning roses. She was a life member of the Kansas City Rose Society. She also loved music, especially songs from the 1890’s, and patriotic tunes from the eras of both world wars, pieces by Berlin and Cohan being among her favorites. Music was always a part of her family’s life. A cherished Steinway grand player piano was often playing rolls of music, and family and friends spent many hours gathered around the piano, singing the songs the piano was playing. Jody and Merle were life deacons at Country Club Christian Church, and members of Indian Hills Country Club. Jody’s bright smile, hearty laugh, and enthusiasm will be missed and long remembered by her family members and many friends. Jody’s family extends their special thanks to: Sigrid Sterbenz, longtime friend and housekeeper; Linda Alley, Jody’s personal assistant, whose kindness and TLC have been indispensable; and the caring staff members at Bickford of Overland Park, Park Meadows, American Companion Care, CareStaf, and Odyssey Hospice. Survivors include: two daughters, Gayle Ann Kleweno Randol and her husband, Randy, of Richmond, Virginia; Christina Josephine Kleweno Anderson and her husband, Robert, of Alexandria, Virginia; a niece, Janet Kleweno Carr and her husband, Rex; and a nephew, Dennis Kleweno. Gifts in Jody’s memory may be made to any of the organizations listed above, or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be made at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah and Freeman Funeral Home in Kansas City, MO.