Ovara was born in Parsons, Kansas on December 14, 1920 to the late Robert William Mallory, Sr. and Ella Mae Mallory. Ovara was the oldest of their four children and through attendance at Morgan Avenue Christian Church; Ovara developed a strong, lifelong relationship with God at an early age. Ovara was educated in the Parsons Public School System, and furthered her education by attending Labette County Community College.
Upon graduation, Ovara relocated to Washington, DC, where she was employed as an Administrative Assistant at The Pentagon. Ovara later accepted a position with the Social Security Administration and transferred to Kansas City, Missouri. After settling in to her new position, Ovara visited West Paseo Christian Church, where she later joined and devoted her life to the service of God.
Ovara was active through teaching and attending Sunday school classes, holding various offices and was an elder serving wherever needed. A fire forced members to relocate their present Church home. Ovara pledged her unwavering love and support to the service of Swope Parkway United Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). You would see Ovara every Sunday until her health no longer permitted. Even then, you would find her at Church at least once a month.
Ovara was a well-respected Community Advocate and Christian educator and was loved by both students and colleagues alike. Ovara met and fell in love with Johnny B Miller in 1958. Johnny and Ovara shared true love and were married in 1960. Ovara's life with Johnny was filled with love, joy and happiness until his passing in February 2000. From that time on, Ovara resided alone until 2014. Shortly thereafter, Ovara became a resident at Edgewood until her peaceful passing.
Ovara is survived by her niece; Jeanne (John) Dunn, niece; Deitra Taylor (John Taylor, MD), Hayward, California, nephew; Tempree (Kai) Hayes, Kansas City, Missouri and a host of family and friends to mourn her passing. Ovara is preceded in death by her husband; Johnny B Miller, Marionette M. Jones (sister), and Robert W. Mallory Jr (brother), and Katherine Askew (sister).
Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, Missouri.
