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Lisa Vanatta Obituary

Lisa Liese Ridgeway Vanatta, 43, of Overland Park, KS passed away on August 31, 2012. She began waging a valiant battle versus cancer of an unknown origin in 2011 and Liese won in the end!!! Lisa was born on January 23, 1969, in Topeka, Kansas. Liese graduated from Topeka West High School in 1987. There, she was active in the theatre group, Topeka West Players, as well as National Honor's Society and the student foreign exchange organization, AFS. She was currently working towards her bachelor's degree in Public Administration from KU. In the meantime, she called many wonderful places home, including Topeka, KS; Lawrence, KS; Dallas, TX; Plantation, FL; Weston, FL; Overland Park, KS. She was active in these communities as well. Lisa married her buddy, Scott, in Danforth Chapel on the KU campus in 1997. She was a proud momma of Dylan, 11, and Emma, 9. She supported her beloved Kansas Jayhawks as well as the various teams on which her children played. Her career highlights included: The Bottleneck, Manager; Sprint, Senior Mission Control Associate; American Express, Office Technical Analyst; IBM, Executive Administrative Assistant; and Active member of the International Association of Administrative Assistants, Johnson County Chapter. Survivors include husband, Scott and their awesome children, Dylan and Emma, Overland Park. Mother, Martha (and Steve) Preston, Salina; father, Roy (and Arceile) Ridgeway, Topeka; brother, Roy Douglas (and Regina) Ridgeway, Honolulu; stepsister, Lisa Ready, Topeka; stepbrother, Bill Hensen (and Jen), Topeka; stepbrother, Jeff (and Callie) Combs, Wichita; 9 nephews, 7 nieces and one grand-niece. Liese was also the proud godmother of Grady Lenihan, Griffin Lenihan and Jeffrey Alvarez. Liese loved music, travel, yoga, and especially spending quality time with family and friends and simply enjoying the pleasures of life. A Celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at St. Michael's and All Angels, 6630 Nall Avenue, Mission, KS 66202. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in her name to Kansas University at KU Endowment, PO Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044-0928. Lisa K. Vanatta

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Sep. 2, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Lisa Vanatta

Not sure what to say?





Ellen Tracy

August 27, 2023

Liese lives forever in my heart May the light shine upon her without end.

Donna Downey

November 13, 2012

What a shock. I am so sorry that the world has lost this lovely lady. She was a bright light on earth and now she shines in heaven!

Linda Bahr

October 3, 2012

My heartfelt sympathies to Lisa's family. I remember well her sweet smile and caring presence in my classroom.
Linda "Frau"Bahr

Patrick Henderson

September 10, 2012

My family's thoughts and prayers are with the Vanatta/Ridgeway family during this time. I had the pleasure to meet Liese through Scott back in the Bottleneck days. Words don't come close to the pain you must be enduring. I'm deeply sorry. Liese's smile and bright eyes will never be forgotten.

Eileen Lewis-Gentry

September 8, 2012

I so remember this angel, she was who she was all genuine and kind. She was always so kind to others and I am sure she will continue this in heaven. God bless your family and so very sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed.

Etta Karnaze

September 7, 2012

Everyone who knew Liese enjoyed being with her. She always had a smile on her face, and radiated a great deal of inner love and sunshine to others. The Johnson County Chapter (IAAP) will miss her greatly. God Bless.

Odalis De La Rosa

September 7, 2012

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
You will live in my heart forever...until we meet again!

jeff fortier

September 6, 2012

Much love to you and your Family!!!!

September 5, 2012

Liesa, Scott & her family have been on my church prayer list for over the last year. I loved looking at her updates on Caring Bridge because she always seemed joyful and upbeat even though there were many days she was not. I loved her wig pictures because she made me laugh.
She is and was a beautiful soul. I will miss her and send comfort to her family in this time of sorrow.

Bonny Kester-Mohan TWHS 85'

Philip Cotterill

September 5, 2012

Liese, your kindness and friendship will always be cherished. Sleep well my friend xxx

Bill Schade

September 5, 2012

It was a pleasure and an honor to know and to work with Liese.

Jennifer

September 4, 2012

Until we meet and laugh again, Liese.

September 4, 2012

Our love and prayer to the Liese Scott Vanattaa family. Was a joy meeting her several years ago, and participating in the baptism of their son--with Grandpa. Pastor Hamill and the family of First United Methodist Church, Grove, OK

September 4, 2012

My sincerest sympathy to the Vanatta friends and family. I never got to meet Liese, but Dylan is one of my students and I am sure he got that charm, smile, strength, and wisdom from her. God bless you all.

Rania Atra

September 4, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers with liese family..god help you guys threw this and hope you guys come out of this strong and continúe What she would have wanted for u guys!! We have never met But our kids go to the same schools. We aré praying for you.

September 4, 2012

Most loveable person on the planet..so gentle..so great......

Matthew Nicholson

September 4, 2012

Liese was a caring and wonderful person. I only met her once, at a Camp Wood reunion, but she stayed up very late working on gifts for others and also helped my children to make bracelets. Even though she was a HUGE KU fan, and wriggled her nose a little at my son's request to make an MU bracelet, she gladly helped and he still remembers her to this day. My whole family will miss her.

Gretchen Muskina

September 4, 2012

Lisa had an infectious smile that will be missed by all. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Debbie Davila

September 4, 2012

Loved her!

September 4, 2012

Comfort and prayers are being sent to Liese's family...I enjoyed meeting Liese through her daughter Emma who is in my son's grade....

Diane Sadowski

September 4, 2012

Liese was one of the happiest people that I have ever known. It truly is a blessing to have known you.

Gregor Eye Care

September 4, 2012

Lisa always lit up our office. We are saddened by the news, but know that her light will always shine. We will miss her.
Gregor Eye Care

September 3, 2012

Dear Family, Lisa has been part of our lives since her birth, our love for her is like our family. One beautiful girl, we'll miss her terribly. The Drake Family, Tamera, Sandra, Mark and Carol Griggs

Hope

September 3, 2012

I am deeply saddened and will miss that beautiful smile. Lisa was truly one of the first non judgemental people I have ever met. Her joy was shared with everyone. RIP my old friend.

Polly Petro-Bolero

September 3, 2012

A beautiful lady has gone to be with the Lord! She will always be in our hearts! Whenever you see a Sunflower think of her !You will be missed my friend

Kale Kudlacek

September 3, 2012

You will always be in my heart and thoughts 'Glieb.'

Brenda & Randy Dyck

September 3, 2012

Our beautiful Sunflower has gone home. She blessed us all with so many wonderful memories. Weezie, you will live in our hearts until we meet again.

Lanny Van Dolah

September 3, 2012

Liese, you were beautiful, smart, and had so many fine qualities I simply cannot list them all. I'm glad to have been one of the people fortunate enough to have met you. You will be missed by many.

Cherie Leiker

September 3, 2012

I am blessed to have known Lisa through IAAP and JCCC. She always had a smile on her face. She will be missed.

Kerry

September 3, 2012

You're a light that will always be in my heart, Liese.

Kelly McDermott

September 3, 2012

I have been Liese's children's Spanish teachers for 7 years. Their bright minds and beautiful spirits reflect their terrific mother and father. I feel blessed to have known Liese through her children.

Ellen Tracy

September 3, 2012

Loving you always, Dear Liese.

Becki Angeles

September 3, 2012

I am blessed to have known and worked with Liese at American Express. She taught me to see the beauty in everything no matter how dark things got. I love you Liese and you will always be in my heart!

vicki vanatta

September 3, 2012

Our beautiful girl brought so much joy and happiness into our lives, that are, forever changed by our loss.

Heather Getha-Taylor

September 3, 2012

I am grateful that I had the chance to work with Liese at KU. Her enduring zeal and positive attitude was inspirational. She will be missed.

beth mmckenzie

September 3, 2012

Leise was such a beautiful and inspirational person! love you weezie!

John Pierce

September 3, 2012

Liese was a wonderful student and friend and I have been deeply moved by her courage and grace.

Marilu Goodyear

September 3, 2012

All of us at the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration will miss Liese very much. She was a joy to have in class and a great student. We extend our condoluences to her family and friends.

Dave and Patty every

September 3, 2012

May your beautiful spirit and passion for life live on with your children.


(Indianapolis, IN)

Jeanette Boyd

September 2, 2012

Your a beautiful light in our hearts Liese.

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