William “Bill” Arthur Ambrose, 76, of Kansas City, MO passed away peacefully at home on May 24, 2023, with his wife by his side. He was born on August 17, 1946, in the East Bottoms of Kansas City to the late Nolan Ambrose and Ann (Yanakovich) Ambrose.
Bill attended Northeast High School until drafted into the United States Army. He served from January 26, 1968, to September 13, 1969, as an Artillery Survey Specialist. Bill is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals, including the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. After serving in Vietnam, Bill returned home and married his first wife, Mary Ann, on February 14, 1970.
Bill and Mary Ann raised a family together and spent many vacations at the lake. They also enjoyed working and gardening in their yard, where they hosted some of the biggest neighborhood parties. Bill retired from the United States Post Office in 2008. In his free time, he enjoyed completing home improvement projects and collecting coins. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan.
After Mary Ann passed, Bill became active in the V.F.W. and enjoyed socializing with his friends and neighbors. He reunited with his childhood friend, Victoria “Vickie” Mahterian, in 2016. Bill enjoyed traveling with Vickie, playing Dominoes, and watching Grimm. Bill always looked forward to grilling steaks and burgers for his family and friends. A variety of ice cream was always a freezer staple for his grandchildren and neighborhood kids, of course.
Bill is survived by his wife Victoria Mahterian Ambrose, of Kansas City, MO; his daughter Shelly Ambrose, of Bucyrus, KS; his daughter Lori Ambrose, of Liberty, MO; and his sister Barbara Taylor and husband Ray, of Gladstone, MO. Survivors also include two grandchildren, four nieces, two nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Bill is preceded in death by his first wife Mary Ann Ambrose; brother Richard “Dickie” Ambrose; sister Dolores “Lolly” Middleton; and sister Jane McGowan.
