Caryl "Ann" Trigg

Caryl Ann Benson Trigg, always known as Ann, was born on September 1, 1946, in Liberty, Missouri, to Harold and Edythe Benson. From her earliest days, Ann carried a quiet strength and warmth that would come to define her life and the way she loved and treated others.

She grew up in Liberty, attending St. James Elementary School for 8 years, St Pius X High School, and later Liberty High School, where she was part of the graduating class of 1964. Not long after graduation, she began what would become a long and dedicated career with Hallmark Cards in downtown Kansas City. For 31 years, Ann was a steady and valued presence there, retiring in September 1997.

In 1986, Ann married Gary Trigg, beginning a partnership filled with adventure, and deep devotion to each other. With their marriage, she became a stepmother to Brian, embracing that role with care and love. Ann and Gary shared a passion for travel that took them across the country to NASCAR races in their RV with friends, and even around the world, including a memorable trip to Australia and several cruises over the years. After retiring from Hallmark, Ann’s love for travel led her to become a travel agent, helping others create journeys of their own.

Ann also found joy in working part-time at the Lee’s Summit History Museum... until just recently, where she built meaningful friendships and stayed connected to her community by sharing its history!

Ann and Gary were longtime members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lee’s Summit, where they worshiped faithfully for many years until the process became too much.

In the summer of 2009, Gary had suffered a major stroke. From that moment on, Ann’s life became a testament to her unwavering love and strength. For 15 years, she cared for him at home with remarkable devotion. Even when her own health made that invaluable care no longer possible, she continued to show up for him... traveling back and forth nearly every day to be by his side. Recently, she had been approved to move into an assisted living community, something she was genuinely looking forward to... not only for the companionship it would bring, but she would also be just minutes away from the love of her life!

In 2015, Ann and Gary had built a home on the land they owned in Kingsville... a place that had always brought them peace & relaxation, long before there was even a house there!

Family was always at the center of Ann’s heart. She leaves behind her beloved granddaughter, Cleo Trigg, whom she adored. Though distance kept them from seeing each other as often as she wished, Ann treasured every update, every photo, and every story about Cleo’s many activities. Their annual Christmas gatherings were especially dear to her.

She also shared a special bond with her great-nephews Kade, Gray, and Hank Carroll, and her great-niece Kally Carroll. They will always remember her not only for her love and her ability to laugh at their jokes even when they had to be explained to her, but for the meals that brought them together—her wonderful Mississippi roasts and signature Asian salad... always made with care and served with happiness.

Ann is survived by her husband, Gary of University Health Lakewood Care Center; her son, Brian (Maril) of Lawrence, KS; her granddaughter, Cleo also of Lawrence; her sisters, Sue Rice of Sherman, TX, and Teresa Carroll (Roy) of Kansas City; her nephews, Michael Rice of Sherman, Texas, Dan Rice (Aida) of Bolinao, Pangasinan Philippines, and Matthew Carroll of Odessa, Missouri; and many other friends and family members.

Ann has always had a deep love for animals. She supported their care throughout her life and always had a few nearby to keep her company. In honor of that love, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Wayside Waifs in Kansas City. https://waysidewaifs.org/?form=donate in her name.

More than anything, Ann will be remembered for her kindness, her empathy, and her unwavering spirit. She showed up for the people she loved... again and again, without hesitation, and that kind of love leaves an everlasting mark.

One last remembrance that I can't forget was her love for "all things alien/ufo". She not only had quite a collection of books, child size alien statues here and there in their home, and even a trip to Area 51... she had also been a field agent with the local MUFON group and attended several symposiums over the years!

As her sister... saying goodbye to Ann is something I never could have prepared myself for. She has been a steady, loving presence in my life for 70 long years, and her absence is already being felt in ways that I'm unable to fully express. I find comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain, and her kindness and love she gave, will continue to live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know her... til we meet again.

Services will be Friday May 8th at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church, 777 NE Blackwell Rd, Lees Summit, MO 64086. Visitation is 9:45 am, funeral mass 10:30 am. Ann's final resting place will be at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens, and all graveside services will be private.