Ree Merrigan

Ree Merrigan, born Rose Marie Protzman, 84, died peacefully at home on August 20, 2020. Ree is survived by Terry Merrigan, the love of her life, her high school sweetheart and husband for almost 60 years and their children and their families; Alison Merrigan and her husband, Steve Schleicher, and their children, Evan, Honor and Braden; Pamela Merrigan; Kristin Merrigan and her husband, Timothy Deady and their children, Declan and Genevieve; Heather Merrigan and her husband, Mark Trentalange and their children, Richie, Georgia, and Charlotte; and Ryan Merrigan and his children, Madeline and Lincoln. She is also survived by her sisters, Margie Zimmerman and Kay Sullivan; her sisters-in-law, Monica Nelson and Dee Elkins; many, many nieces and nephews and cherished lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Protzman and Rose Schieber Protzman Jermain; her stepfather, John Jermain; her beloved brother, Robert Protzman; and her sisters-in-law Mary Mahoney, Alice Sheehan, Viola Fowler, and Maurine Wiederholt.

Ree was born on April 25, 1936, the oldest child of George and Rose Protzman. She grew up in Conception, MO and St. Joseph, MO and was a bright light in the community. She was a basketball star at Jefferson Township High School scoring the first two points in the school’s history. She was also the homecoming queen, senior class president and valedictorian. Most importantly, though, it was at Jefferson High that she met Terry. Ree attended Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, KS and earned her B.A. in English Literature. After college, Ree taught school for several years before marrying Terry. Together, they worked to build his successful accounting career while raising their five children.

Ree was a tireless volunteer serving on boards of civic organizations throughout the Kansas City area. As a Musette, supporting the Kansas City Museum, she spent several seasons on local school stages as General Grumpdump and acted out many roles as a member of their Travelers group. She was a long-standing member of the Ladies of Charity and an active participant in the Symphony League. Professionally, Ree taught Montessori school, managed Terry’s accounting office and, when her youngest children reached high school, she joined Eugene D. Brown Realtors and threw herself into her new career helping her clients find homes for their families.

After retiring, Ree and Terry traveled the world. She always said her favorites were the "I" countries – Ireland, Israel, and Italy – and a cherished memory was riding a camel on her 60th birthday in Israel. Nana reveled in her 10 grandchildren. She loved to cuddle the babies and so adored watching them grow up. She enjoyed seeing them play sports but cheered them on even when she couldn’t make it to the field or the pool deck. She organized tea parties, planned outings, and even baked cookies. She delighted in visits and telephone calls and was so proud of their accomplishments. Her legacy lives on.