Wilma Jean Jean Hansen Sengstacken

On June 27th, 2012, National Sunglass Day, a bright light left us. Our beloved Jean Sengstacken passed away from complications of a recent stroke. Jean was a social butterfly. Olathe Medical Center's staff said, " at one point there were so many calls coming through the switchboard that they were taking up all of the lines at the nurses station." The nurses said they knew there must be a very special lady in their care. On her second day at the medical center it was said there were almost one hundred visitors. They had to ask for a message to be passed on to slow down the traffic to give Jean time to rest. For those who knew Jean this was not a surprise. Jean didn't know a stranger. She loved to talk whether it was standing in line at the grocery store or watering her flowers while chatting with her neighbors.

An avid reader, Jean loved mysteries. Some of her favorite authors were; Robert Parker, J. A. Jance, and numerous others. Jean loved to garden. It wouldn't be a shock to find Jean in your yard pulling weeds. Her day always began with meditation, the Kansas City Star's crossword puzzle, a cup of coffee, and a slice of toasted homemade coffee cake. Jean was famous for her baking skills. Recently she was asked to do a cupcake display at a friend's wedding. Her health wasn't what it once was due to Chrone's disease but she didn't hesitate and provided, red velvet, ooey gooey butter, and German chocolate cupcakes for the event. If you were blessed enough to know Jean, and it was your birthday, she would remember what your favorite of her many cakes were and a cake would be provided. It was rumored that many claimed to have two birthdays a year just to get another cake. Many of her "Friends of Bill" did get the pleasure of two cakes per year.

A gathering at Jean's home may have included a game of Scrabble, Canasta, or work on a jigsaw puzzle. Many of her friends would stop by knowing there was probably a pot of homemade soup or chili on the stove to share while discussing the weather, quilting, gardening, or the latest book she was reading. Sometimes a friend or a cat needing a place to spend a few days or months would knock on the door of the little house on Lane. They knew Jean would greet them with open arms. The welcome mat was worn, and her house was a true home.

Jean loved to travel. Jean's trips were legendary. She would get a whim, hop in her Toyota, grab her map, and hit the road. For those fortunate to ride along, she would stop at all the attractions along the trip. It could have been to hop out of the car and look at the World's Biggest Ball of Yarn, or visit a tiny little Elvis museum. She loved the Peabody Hotel. The duck show was a must and making new friends in the lobby was inevitable. Jean whipped her little Toyota around like a professional chauffeur. Her car was always stocked with homemade cookies, sandwiches, a cooler of drinks, cheese and fruit. If she stopped at a gas station you may have been treated with a nice cheese and fruit tray she arranged while passengers were inside.

Jean never rushed through life, she strolled. Now our world traveler has strolled away from us and on to a new journey. Her light will always shine brightly in our hearts. So put your sunglasses on and remember our beautiful Jean Sengstacken.

Published in the: Kansas City Star Newspaper

Sunday, July1, 2012

Wilma Jean Sengstacken, 68, of Olathe, KS., passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2012. She will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to everyone she met. Jean was born on January 14, 1944 in Alva, OK., to Albert William and Martha Arminda (Sears) Hansen.

She was considered a pillar in the Olathe community for her dedicated service with Kansas SRS. Jean was also very much involved with the AA Community group in Olathe.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, husband: Richard A. Sengstacken, two sons: Mark A. Sengstacken, Daniel R. Sengstacken , daughter: Deborah M. Sengstacken and one sister: Charlotte Ann. Survivors include one son: Rick Sengstacken and his wife Susan of Higginsville, MO., and one sister Gail Meador of Ponca City, OK. Left behind to cherish her memory are her 4 grandchildren.

A Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, July 5th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home. Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 6th at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens 13901 Black Bob Olathe, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to: Kansas City Hospice House- 12000 Wornall Rd. Kansas City, MO. Condolences may be offered at www.mcgilley-frye.com.