Bernice “Sis” Elizabeth Lindley, 82, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 11, 2025. She was born on January 21, 1943, in Kansas City, Kansas. Visitation will be Friday, May 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas 66204. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens, 23215 W. 75th Street, Shawnee, Kansas 66227. Memorial contributions may be made in Bernice Lindley’s memory to Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site.
Bernice was married to William R. Lindley Jr. for more than 62 years. The two met in a history class at Shawnee Mission North High School and went on to build a life filled with love, family, friends, adventure, and community service.
In her younger years, Bernice was surrounded by the love of a large, close-knit family that included her mother, father, and four siblings. She shared a particularly strong bond with her sister, Barbra, and the two were often inseparable, always off on some new escapade. Their days were filled with shared adventures, travel and lasting memories.
Family was always at the center of Bernice’s life. She treasured every opportunity to gather with loved ones, celebrating major milestones and holidays alongside her parents, siblings, their children, and later, her husband, children and grandchildren.
Bernice’s love for travel included countless trips with her husband, children, grandchildren and friends across the United States and abroad building lifelong memories. These adventures often unfolded by train, plane, using both modern and vintage cars. An adventurous spirit, Sis loved the outdoors and spent many summers camping with the “pop-up camper crew” and family. One of her favorite travels was attending the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, a historic motoring event where participants dress in late Victorian attire to celebrate early automobiles.
She was a dedicated Kansas City Chiefs fan never missing watching a game—always proudly wearing her Chiefs gear as she cheered them on and attended the Chiefs Super Bowl parades. Equally a passionate Royals fan attending the 2015 World Series victory parade, a memory she cherished.
Deeply rooted in her community, Bernice was an active and generous volunteer in the Shawnee Mission School District and at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site, where she brought history to life for countless visitors. Bernice had a passion and love for vintage automobiles, collecting antiques, Gone with the Wind memorabilia, and all things Coca-Cola. She belonged to the Plain Ol’ A’s, Model A Ford Club, VMCCA, Horseless Carriage Club, and for a time worked managing estate sales and real estate appraisals.
Bernice had a deep and lifelong love for animals, especially cats and dogs. Her compassion for creatures great and small began early—sometimes leading her to secretly bring home stray cats, much to her mother’s dismay. It was a small act that reflected the size of her heart. As she grew older, that love never faded. Alongside her husband Bill and their children, she once bottle-fed a litter of five orphaned kittens, nurturing them from just days old. She had a special affection for her Pomeranians—Bear, Taco, and Coco BEL Rocket—who brought her endless joy and companionship.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jasper G. Wiglesworth and Bernice Wiglesworth; her sister, Barbra K. Berg; and her son-in-law, Jerry W. Wyatt.
Bernice is survived by her husband, William R. Lindley Jr.; her children: Richard B. Lindley (Steven Christenberry), Karen L. Wyatt, and Christine E. Arnette (James Arnette); her cherished grandchildren: Katelyn Wyatt, Emily Wyatt, and Thomas Arnette; her brothers: Glen, Tim, and David; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will miss her dearly.
Her warmth and commitment to others left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
