Kansas City Funeral Directors

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! We lit a candle for everyone our families have lost this year when we went to mass. May their memories bring smiles to you all today.

12/24/2025

12/17/2025

Kong Wang Yang

Kong Wang Yang, 59, of Kansas City, Kansas passed away unexpectedly in a car accident on December 12, 2025 in Lenexa, Kansas. Funeral services are being planned for January 10-12, 2026 and will take place at Faith Deliverance in Kansas City, Kansas. Once times and services have been confirmed they will be announced. Please keep the family in your prayers as Kong has young children still at home. Donations may be made to help with the unexpected funeral expenses to:

All donations can be sent to sons via Paypal
Luke Yang yang-luke@hotmail.com
Steve Yang yangsteve11@yahoo.com

Every little bit helps during this very difficult time and is truly appreciated.

12/17/2025

Tracy Lynn (Horton) Carter

Tracy Lynn (Horton) Carter, 57, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away unexpectedly on December 13, 2025. Services are being planned and will be announced once everything has been finalized. Donations may be made directly to her son, Christopher Carter via his PayPal account. Every tiny bit helps and is truly appreciated.

12/11/2025

ESTHER VIVEROS
Esther was born on July 9, 1928 in Quiroga, Michoacan (Mexico). She was the third of five children of Jose and Esther Medina. Her mother passed away when she was six years old and her father boarded the five children at a local nun's convent. Her father remarried and with her stepmother had six more children. The entire family lived in a large eighteen room house along with her father's sister, Maria who helped take care of the children. After high school, she graduated from a business school and had a rewarding career as an executive secretary for the postmaster in Morelia, Michoacan.
She met the love of her life, Octavio Viveros while she was working at the post office, and after two years of dating, they were married in 1955. Her husband, Octavio always wanted to return to live in the Kansas City area where he had grown up. While Esther very much liked and grew to be thankful for moving to the United States, it was difficult for her without any extended family support and having to learn a new language and new customs. She became a proud citizen of the United States on February 27, 1973.

Esther and Octavio moved to Roeland Park, Kansas in 1963 where they raised their eight children with many friends nearby. They lived within walking distance of St. Agnes Parish and Bishop Miege High School, which is where the family spent much of their time. Esther was a devout Catholic and was involved in the Guadalupe group, the Catholic Cursillos and St. Agnes parish. She enjoyed knitting baby hats and booties for her grandchildren and for St. Agnes auctions. She also enjoyed traveling to visit family that lived in other parts of the United States and Mexico. She especially enjoyed memorable trips to Niagara Falls and to Spain.

Esther most enjoyed hosting family get-togethers at their home and spending time making memories with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved holidays together and visits with family and friends and all the celebrations that come with a large family. She enjoyed playing games and watching the kids playing together and jumping on their trampoline. She also enjoyed teaching her kids and grandkids how to knit, crochet and sew. For many years, she treasured Saturday breakfasts with close friends.

The year 2017 brought about a big change in her life. After 53 years in Roeland Park, Esther and her husband, Octavio moved to Welstone at Mission Crossing in Mission, KS, an independent living community. There they made many more new friends and were involved in new activities. She lost her husband of 69 years in July 2024. In March of 2025, there was another big change in Esther's life as she moved to Villa St. Francis, a Catholic long term care community in Olathe, KS.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Octavio; her parents, Jose and Esther Medina; and by nine of her siblings: Jose, Conchita, Tere, Jorge, Miguel, Rafael, Guadalupe, Eugenio, and Gabriel. She was also preceded by her son, Octavio Viveros, Jr. and her daughter-in-law Pamela Growe. She is survived by her sister, Mary and seven children: Esther Viveros, Mary Soots (Richard Crooks), Sylvia (Kurt) Gruenbacher, Theresa (John) Whiteside, Martin Viveros, Rose (Tom) Rheinberger, Christine (Willie Halliburton) Viveros as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

Funeral Mass, Monday, December 15, 2025, 10 am at St Agnes Church, 5250 Mission Road, Roeland Park, KS with visitation at 9 am and rosary at 8:45 am.
Burial at Resurrection Cemetery, Prince of Peace Mausoleum, Lenexa, KS.

Donations may be made to:
Monastery of Perpetual Adoration
145 N. Cotton St.
El Paso, TX 79901-1752

12/07/2025

PATRICIA M. KLOPOVICH
Patrcia M. Klopovich, 74 of Overland Park, Kansas passed away December 03, 2025. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, December 09, 2025, at Church of The Holy Cross, 8311 W 93rd Street, Overland Park, KS with Mass at 11am and a visitation at 10am with rosary at 10:30am. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

12/05/2025

Toby Patrick Maestas

Toby Patrick Maestas was born May 10, 1960, and passed away November 29 , 2025. Toby worked most of his life in the life inyhe roofing industry, and later spent many years working for American Dish. He experienced major heart surgery in 2008, but knew

God was not ready for him yet, and he kept on going.

Having grown up in western Nebraska , Tobyhad been an avid hunter. Each year he planted a small garden, taking pride in what grew there. Although he was life-long Huskers fan, his heart was truly belonged to the Chiefs. Toby collected skulls, loving how bad-ass they look. He always had a colorful joke ready. Whie he did enjoy looking for new recipes, he made the world’s best chicken and dumplings, and at holidays always treated the family to a yummy cherry dessert passed down from him from his dad. The recipe for this dessert remains a mystery.

Toby was preceded in death by his father Jose Tovias Maestas, mother, Jessie Gallegos, brother, Vincent Maestas. He leaves behind his wife Sherry Ann Jaime Maestas, 2 children, Alyssa Janine Jaime (Andrew) and Mark Alan Green. His grandchildren Brianna Lopez(Bradley), Vincent Lopez, Cassidy Green and 4 bonus grandchildren. Sisters Deb Taylor(Jerry ,d.) Yvonne Zwibel (Terry), Renee

Dinkleman (Donnie), and brothers Ed’Cheesey’ Maestas (Elizabeth) and Mark Maestas (Lori).

Services Wednesday, December 10, 2025 , 10 AM to 12 PM, Kansas City Funeral Directors, 4880 Shawnee Drive, KC,KS.

12/05/2025

Steven A. Mroz

Steven A. Mroz, 67 years old, passed away peacefully on November 30th after a long illness. A resident at Myers Nursing Home in Kansas City for many years, he was a cherished member of their community where he was known for his gentle and kind nature, fist bumping and greeting residents and staff as they walked by.
Steven was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Overland Park, Kansas at a young age with his family where he was a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of Shawnee Mission West High School (1976) and the University of Kansas where he graduated with honors with a degree in the classical languages (ancient Greek,
Latin, etc) along with studying abroad at the American University in Athens, Greece.

Steven had many interests including playing guitar (with a love for Led Zeppelin), watching the Chiefs play football, enjoying reruns of M.A.S.H. and old ‘Pink Panther’ & James Bond movies, and studying historical documents and events. One of his primary interests was hiking, camping and backpacking in the wilderness,
including the Pacific Crest Trail in California, and he even wrote a book of tips and recipes for fellow backpackers. He loved to talk with family, neighbors and friends on just about any topic and to spend time with people, making a friend of whomever he met.

Steven is survived by his siblings and their spouses- sisters Deborah Presley (Marion), Patricia Mroz (Denise DeMoranville) & Nancy McKean and his brothers Phillip Mroz and Anthony Mroz (Dana); nieces and nephews (Ernie, Amanda, Jessie, Angie, Thomas, Jessica, Ely & Sam) and their spouses and children; and numerous cousins. He is pre- deceased by his parents, Thaddeus (Ted) and Joan Mroz.

There are no words to express our gratitude to the staff and residents of Myers Nursing Home, who made his
last years comfortable and gave him a sense of home and belonging to a community.

Funeral services will be provided by Funeral Directors of Kansas City with internment at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas after a private burial service.
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“All that is gold does not glitter, / Not all who wander are lost” J.R.R. Tolkien

12/04/2025

Darrell Gene Mashburn

Darrell Gene Mashburn, 71, of Kansas City, Missouri died December 1, 2025. Born September 17, 1954 in Covington, Tennessee, he was the eldest son of George Mashburn and Mazie Cooper Mashburn. Seeking something more than the meager subsistence of tenant farming, the family moved to Michigan City, Indiana when Darrell was two years old. Darrell attended Elston High School where he met Janet Kay Miller when they had a class together. Soon after
his sophomore year began, family problems forced Darrell to leave school. But that didn’t keep him from Janet for long, as he soon fell in love watching her sing in the choir at Faith City Assembly of God. Darrell and Janet married September 23, 1972 and have been inseparable for 53 years.

Hard work was a constant in Darrell’s life. Even as an infant, he was carried on his mother’s back while she picked cotton. As a young boy, he worked picking blueberries, mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and delivering newspapers. As a young man, he got his first job working with cars at RJ Imports in Michigan City. He started out pumping gas and sweeping floors, but his mechanical aptitude was quickly apparent as he started learning the basics of auto mechanics.

Darrell joined the United States Marine Corps in 1975. Because a high school diploma was a pre-requisite, he contacted the Michigan City school district to find out how to earn his GED. He
was told that the necessary exams were available in a staggered schedule over several weeks. Eager to get started, he called the school district in a neighboring town and was told that they
could give him the tests as fast as he could take them. That is exactly what he did. He took all the exams and earned his GED the following week.

After serving four years in the Marines, he moved his family to Kansas City, Missouri where he lived for the remainder of his life. He quickly found work at Jack Miller Chrysler and then worked for Western Auto for 17 years. Most recently, he worked for TLC Automotive in Independence, Missouri for more than 25 years where he was an ASE certified automotive technician. He also served 14 years in the National Guard, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Darrell’s commitment to serving his family and country was eclipsed only by a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. He could be found nearly every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening
at Trinity Christian Center, where he was a fixture, a friend, and a frequent handyman. He credits the grace of God and the fellowship of the men’s bible study with helping him stay sober. He celebrated 16 years sobriety last August, a priceless gift to his family.

Darrell will be remembered as a devoted husband, a demanding father, and a doting “Papa.” He was especially proud of his daughter’s service in the United States Air Force and his sons’
college degrees. When he was not hard at work, he could always be found with his family. He enjoyed traveling to visit family. He enjoyed cooking and often hosted barbecues for family and
friends. He loved having family gatherings for every holiday. Despite being unable to join us for Thanksgiving dinner this year, he brought his family together to celebrate and give thanks. We celebrate his life and give thanks for his example of service and love.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Martha Beal and Sheryle Ann Masters, brother-in-law Mark Wantola, sister-in-law Denise Black, and one great grandson. He is survived by his wife Janet and mother-in-law Lorna Miller of the home. He is also survived by one brother Dennis (Theresa) Mashburn of LaPorte, Indiana and three sisters—Brenda Ferry of Porter, Indiana, Cathy Mashburn and Kimberly Richardson both of Michigan City, Indiana, two sons—Daniel Mashburn of Phoenix, Arizona and Darrell (Elise) Mashburn, Jr. of Lenexa, Kansas, one daughter Elizabeth (Robert) Kelley, of Richmond, Virginia, nine grandchildren and two great
grandchildren.

A private viewing will be held for immediate family only on Friday, December 5, 2025. An informal remembrance service will also be held on Friday, December 5th at 7pm at Trinity Christian Center, 5005 N. Brighton, Kansas City, Missouri. All are welcome. A formal memorial service is being planned for next spring.

12/02/2025

Carole Ann Bledsoe

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Carole Ann Bledsoe, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Carole passed peacefully on the 25th of November, 2025 surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grand children at Morningside Place Assisted Living with Monarch Hospice Care.

“Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.'” - John 11: 25-26

She was born May 3, 1945 in Columbus Kansas, She graduated from Fulton High School Fulton, Ks. in 1963 after being hit by a milk truck in her car and was in a coma for awhile. She attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas for 2 years before moving to Kansas City, Ks and working at KU Medical Center when she met her husband Homer J. N. Hand. They married June 25, 1966. Their daughter Julie Ann was born March 17, 1967. Their first son, Jeffrey Newton was born November 29, 1970 and their
youngest son, Kevin Eugene was born November 24, 1975. Carole enjoyed being a mother, cooking and sewing for her family. She worked as a legal secretary for a law firm for 20 years and then for Property Damage Appraisers for 25 years before retiring.

She would always try to help those around her and prided herself on being strong and independent. She enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and great grand-babies as well and enjoying a cook out. She would enjoy watching the Chiefs even if she didn't get to very often.

Carole has some short term memory loss the last couple of years that progressively got worse. On July 29, 2025 she was diagnosed with Extreme Alzheimer’s with dementia. Getting her into an assisted living facility with memory care would take some time. On August 18, 2025 Carole fell in her apartment at her current assisted living facility and spiral fractured her right femur. She had surgery to put metal supports in her leg and then the road to physical therapy began. She worked hard to be able to stand and walk again
for the first month but then due to her Alzheimer’s she went down hill fast mentally. She became fearful, restless and very sad. Carole was fighting something she didn't understand. Her body was healing but her mind wasn't. Carole moved to Morningside Place on November 17, 2025. The care she received there was phenomenal and she actually made some connections with her nurses and cna's. But her mind and body could no longer fight. She had terminal restlessness and when she worked through all of that fear and uncertainty due to the Alzheimer's she went to be with our Lord in Heaven.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents: Harry “Bud” Beecham, Luella (Hickman) Beecham and step mother Esther (Sell) Beecham. Brothers: David Beecham and Barney Beecham. Husband: Homer J. N. Hand.

She is survived by her three children Julie A Garcia (Michael), Jeffrey N Hand and Kevin E Hand (Nicky). Six Grandchildren: (Julie) Sophia N Ross (Kyle), Michael A Garcia Jr (Regina), Wyatt E Garcia
(Marissa), Faith J Garcia: (Kevin) Miranda M Hand (Damien), and Sarah Hand. Three great-grandchildren: Trinity N Ross, Scarlett N Ross and Michael A Garcia III. Five brothers: Steven Beecham,
Roger Beecham, Bradley Beecham, Preston Beecham and Wilbur Beecham. Two sisters: Naomi Newsom and Gretchan Keeton. Several nieces and nephews; numerous great nieces and nephews. As well as a vast number of friends, colleagues and neighbors.

She was an extraordinary woman, mother, grand mother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, wife and friend full of strength, love and a warmth that stayed with you. The family would like to thank Morningside Place Assisted Living and Monarch Hospice Care for the outstanding care, love and devotion they gave to Carole in the last days of her life here. There are truly Angels among us and they were with Carole and her family during this time.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Carole's memory to:
Activities Fund at Morningside Place, 6981 W 81st St. Overland Park Ks. 66204 and Monarch Hospice & Palliative Care, 7451 Switzer Rd. Ste:100, Merriam, Ks. 66203 at:
https://www.monarchmidwest.org/ (go to the donate tab on the home page). Celebration of Carole's Life will take place at a later date.

“Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will
live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.'” - John 11: 25-26