Molly P. Bean

Molly Phelps Bean, 96, of Kansas City, MO peacefully died December 20, 2017 at home and surrounded by family. Molly was born in Springfield, MO on December 12, 1921 to Margaret and Richard Phelps, former Assistant US Attorney and former Jackson County prosecuting attorney. Molly graduated from Westport High School and the University of Missouri School of Journalism. During the war, Molly contributed on the home front, testing airplane engines at Pratt Whitney. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, the Musettes of the Kansas City Museum, the St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary, and the All Saints Piecemakers. She served as Treasurer of Community Children’s Theatre and enjoyed participating in performances for children. She directed her boundless energy to leading girls scouts and supporting public schools. Molly was a founding member of All Saints Church, a member of the vestry, and served on ministry boards. She orchestrated countless church events and was a creative playwright and author for special celebrations.

Molly and her late husband, Albert (Ace) Bean, were longtime residents of Kansas City. She was a committed supporter of his career at Tnemec Company, Inc. where she was editor for the company’s newsletter and served for a time on the company’s Board of Directors. Molly raised four children, and she was a compassionate matriarch in the lives of eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was a famous cook, generous baker, and a brilliant wordsmith who delighted many with her avid correspondence. Molly and Ace’s loving marriage was enhanced by lasting friendships forged through church, membership at Mission Hills Country Club, friendly competitive tennis, group travel, participation in charitable organizations, and an active presence throughout the Kansas City community. In later years, Molly and Ace enjoyed extended time away at their second home on Table Rock Lake.

Molly was preceded in death by her brother, Richard K. Phelps in 1948; her son, David R. Bean, in 1971; her sister, Mrs. Stacy Haines, in 2011; and her husband, Albert C. Bean Jr., in 2013. Molly’s survivors include her son, Albert C. Bean III (Trey), and his wife Elizabeth of Debary, FL; daughter, Melanie Bean, of New York, NY; daughter, Kim Higgins, and her husband, Dr. Ted Higgins, of Mission Hills, KS; grandchildren: Chase Bean and his wife, Julia, Rachel Owen and her husband, Sean, David R. Bean II and his wife, Olivia, Dylan C. Bean, Eddie Higgins and his wife, Westy, Maggie Higgins, Becca Higgins, and Helen Higgins; and four great-grandchildren: Mac and Abby Owen and Bert and Malcolm Bean.

A memorial service will be February 17, 2018 at 11:00 am in the Bishop Spencer Chapel, 4301 Madison, Avenue, Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Bishop Spencer Place Benevolent Care Endowment Fund. Condolences may be offered at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com. Arrangements through McGilley Midtown Chapel, 816-753-6200.