Pauline (Donnell) Bode

On February 12, 2019, Pauline (Donnell) Bode, loving wife and mother of four children passed away at the age of 82. She was as feisty as she was loving, and she enjoyed the simple things. When it was snowing you could find her outside catching snowflakes on her tongue and during a good Kansas thunderstorm the porch would be her front row seat for the electric show that she never tired of. She had an appreciation for music, so singing and dancing were just a part of her daily routine.

Pauline was born January 4, 1937 in Kansas City, KS. She was the youngest of Effie and Willoughby Donnell’s nine children. She graduated from Westport High School a year early. As an accomplished piano player, she was offered a position at the Missouri Conservatory of Music. She instead chose to stay close to home and began working at a store on Petticoat Lane in downtown KC. She met William “Bill” Bode in 1954 when she was cashing her paycheck at the RE Adams drugstore where he worked. He gave her a smile and asked her if he could help her spend the check. Falling for his witty charm, she agreed. On May 18, 1957 they were married. During their 62-year marriage, they raised two sons, Steve and John, and two daughters, Janet and Vicki. Even after decades together, Bill could still easily pull Pauline’s leg and his goofy humor kept them laughing.

Up until their first child was born, Pauline worked at the Bendix Federal Complex. Pauline’s first, last and everything in between passion was her children and later grandchildren. Once she became a mother, that was her absolute priority. But she somehow found time to also work around her kids’ schedules which often meant very early mornings and consequently very little sleep. Some of her jobs included: Johnson County Voting Supervisor, U.S. Census Supervisor, and Johnson County Pet Census Supervisor. She also was elected as a Johnson County Republican Ward Chair. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

To say her children and grandchildren were a source of pride for her would be quite an understatement. Most anyone she spoke to would learn the latest tidbits about her 12 grandchildren and two great grandsons. Summer sleepovers at Mamaw’s were common and often included 8+ kids at a time. Hard to say who loved those times more, Pauline or the kids. Her passion for the KC Royals and KU basketball was passed on to her kids and grandkids and created a special connection for the generations. She spent many hours laughing (and occasionally cursing under her breath) while watching games with family. Her grandkids’ sports provided equal, if not more, excitement for her and you could regularly find her and Bill in the stands enthusiastically cheering. She also never missed a school concert or play performance.

Holidays were important to her and throughout the decades nearly every Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas day celebration was hosted by her and Bill with all the kids and grandkids congregating together. It was commonplace to find Pauline tickling the ivory with kids gathered around singing carols. Those special holiday times won’t be the same without her, but the memories will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Traveling, especially family trips, was something she enjoyed. Annual trips to Disney World with her family will always be a special memory for all of us. She managed to infect us with an appreciation for Disney magic. Long family road trips with Pauline entertaining her kids with games like I Spy and mental math pop quizzes while Herb Albert music played in the background are fondly remembered.

She fought through many ailments, but few people were truly aware because she had an infectious smile that was a steadfast part of her no matter how she was feeling. And she never wanted anyone to make a fuss about her. She stayed active with outdoor walks and even snow shoveling and lawn mowing despite pleas from her family to not overdo it.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and eight siblings. She is survived by her husband, Bill, four children, Janet (Neal), Steve (Monta), John (David) and Vicki (Aaron), 12 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20th at the McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS. Service will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 21st at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 6630 Nall Ave., Mission, KS. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Kansas City, MO. Memorial contributions may be given in her name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.