Luella "Lu" Eshelman

Born in Page City, KS, on October 3rd, 1937, Lu earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Physical Education from University of Wichita (now known as Wichita State University) in 1962.

She taught P.E. in several schools, as well as coached volleyball, while supporting her husband through medical school.

After her divorce, Lu managed to get her Medical Assistant degree from Kansas City College in 1973, and then Masters of Science from the Central Missouri State University in 1975, all while being a single mother, raising four young children.

During this time she met the love of her life, Dr. Albert Dale Eshelman (Doc). She assisted him in his practice. After Doc passed away in 1985, she searched for something to fill the void in her life, and finally found her passion in the Red Cross.

For over 30 years, she helped thousands of people, while feeding the homeless, helping with disaster relief, such as fires, 911, Hurricane Katrina, the Joplin tornado, and a mission trip to Central America.

Lu’s other passion was volunteering at her church, Blue Ridge Trinity Lutheran, where she was a member of the congregation for almost 50 years. She volunteered in the church office, was recently elected Vice President of the counsel, and chaired the Worship and Music committee up until the time of her death.

Last, but most important, she loved her grandchildren. She took great pride in their accomplishments and all they will continue to contribute to this world, following in Grandma Lu’s footsteps.

Lu is survived by her three sons, Stephen Empson, Charles Empson and Kevin Empson; her brother Reverend Melvin Peterson and sister Marian Boyd: her nine grandchildren, Amanda Empson, Brooke Empson, Rachael Work, Hannah Work, Christopher Empson, Jeremy Empson, David Work, Derek Empson and Katherine Empson.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl Diane Work, father, Arthur Peterson and mother, Helen “Gustafson” Peterson; brothers T/Sgt. Lawrence Peterson, Adron Peterson, Winston Peterson and sister Joyce Bortz.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 11th, from 6pm to 8pm at Floral Hills Funeral home, at 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133, 816-353-1218.

www.FloralHillsFuneralHome.com

Funeral service will be held on May 12th at 11am at Blue Ridge Trinity Lutheran church, 5757 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133, 816-353-5446.

www.brtraytown.org. Lunch will be provide at Blue Ridge Trinity following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Lu’s two passions in life:

Greater Kansas City Chapter of Red Cross

211 West Armour Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64113

There will be donation envelopes at the visitation and service. You can also go to REDCROSS.org to donate or text 90999 to make a donation.

Blue Ridge Trinity Lutheran Church (see information above) There will be donation envelopes at the visitation and service.