Vera Louise Buell

Vera Louise Buell, 86, passed away peacefully June 9, 2025, at Oakridge of Plattsburg Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was born November 8, 1938, in Tipton, Missouri, to Fred Henry and Gracie Louise Sinclair Wehmeir.

Vera was a cherished wife, mother and sister whose laughter, grace and kindness touched everyone she met. Throughout her life, Vera demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication to her family. She was married first to James Rice for 20 years, later to Eugene Buell for 28 years who died in 2007, and finally rekindled and celebrated her love with William (Bill) Hutchison until his passing in 2018.

Vera built a commendable career, starting as a secretary at the Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to Dr. Hugh Wamble and other seminary professors, and concluding as a Legal Administrative Assistant for esteemed Kansas City attorneys, Jeff Henry and Tim Dollar. Her work ethic and loyalty were appreciated by all.

A true Kansas City Royals fan, Vera was known for her passion for baseball, her enthusiasm for travel with friends and family, and her skill at card games like Pitch and Crazy Rummy. Her impact on those around her was profound, as she was a beacon of light, laughter, and love.

Vera is survived by her daughter, Karen Pener, and her partner, Bill Dyer, daughter, Nancy Kimrey, and her husband, Jim Barrows, and son, Greg Rice, and his wife, Kim Rice, seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Vera was predeceased by her brothers, Billie and Wesley Wehmeir.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Vera’s life on Friday, June 13, 2025, beginning with visitation from 9:00-10:00 a.m., followed by services, at D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64133. All are welcome to honor Vera’s beautiful life.

In honor of Vera’s love for dogs, donations may be made to KC Pet Project, 7077 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64132, or online at donate.kcpetproject.org.