Zan E Crum

September 11, 1947 - November 19, 2023

Lenexa, Kansas - Zan was a loving wife, dedicated (grand) mother, and the queen of creativity. She is survived by her husband, Jim Crum, her two daughters and their families: Bethanie (Barry) Polakowski (Cooper and Tanner); and Joslyn (Shane) Dawson (Carter and Kate).

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Operations Breakthrough: https://www.operationbreakthrough.org/how-you-can-help/financial-support

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

Published by Kansas City Star on Nov. 24, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Zan Crum

Sponsored by Kansas City Star.

12 Entries

Sandie Moler Holt

December 18, 2024

Zan and I have known each other since we were 4 years old! Life got in the way and we lost touch but had reconnected in the last few years. I was so sad to hears of her passing. She was such a big part of my childhood.

Casey & Bob Ward

November 27, 2023

Casey & Bob Ward

November 27, 2023

Casey & Bob Ward

November 27, 2023

Zan was a Founding Dealer at Mission Road Antique Mall (1994) and was still a dealer when the Mall closed in 2018. No one was more talented with their booth displays than Zan was. She especially loved doing her elaborate Halloween themed displays. Several times a year, she’d make big batches of her famous frosted cookies for the staff, which literally melted in your mouth. RIP Zan. Those whose lives you touched will never forget you. Our hearts ache for Jim and the girls.

Gail Swanson

November 26, 2023

To Zan's treasured family who filled her heart with pride & joy, Zan decorated our lives with her enchanting creativity like no other could. She taught me how to properly over stock an antique booth. She gave me a tip for making the best candy dipped pretzels ever. I studied her adventurous table top scapes of unusual collectables. At home I tried to mimic them. Then I would proudly declare my attempt to be a Zan (ized) table. I told her she was my French bread friend because she was crusty on the outside with a soft inside. She was my friend for 27 years, Zan I will miss you "dawling", her pronunciation.
With heart felt sympathy, Gail Swanson

Karen & Jerry Lonard

November 26, 2023

We are so sad that our friend Zan has passed away. We haven't known her for very long, but when we came to Metcalf Antique Mall, we became instant friends.
We love you Zan. We will miss your wonderful sense of humor and your mischievous smile. It has been a pleasure to know you. You have left this world too SOON.
To Zan's family - we hope sweet memories of Zan will bring you comfort in the days ahead.
I have purchased a crown pendant from Zan's booth and I am wearing it today. She and I loved crowns and I will cherish this remembrance of her.
Karen & Jerry Lonard

Juanan Hill

November 24, 2023

I am so sad my friend Zan is gone. What a wonderful,kind,honest,witty,loyal friend she was to so many. I will miss those chance encounters at the store and her charming personality. Bless her family,Jim and the girls. You are in my heart at this sad time and in the days ahead. Juanan Hill

Jan Langley

November 24, 2023

Jim and girls, family,
Our hearts are aching for you. So sorry for your loss.
We love you, Rock and Jan

Joslyn Dawson

November 22, 2023

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/overland-park-ks/zan-crum-11546745

Sandie Moler Holt

November 22, 2023

My dearest Zan! We´ve known each other for 72 years and the memories are just flooding in. You were such a large part of my life growing up. As we got older, married, and moved away, life got in the way and we lost touch for awhile. I´m so glad we reconnected and caught up with each other´s lives. You will be missed by so many people dear Zan.

Joslyn Dawson

November 22, 2023

Celebration of Zan´s life is at 2 pm on Sunday, November 26th at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral with reception to follow.

Tripp Lewis

November 22, 2023

I met Zan over 20 years ago when we both sold antiques @ Mission Road Antique Mall.
Her tough personality and snarky tone was an immediate attraction to me, cuz I liked to yank her chain, and get her to laugh. As a result, we continue to be antique dealer buds for all these years. Zan and I were booth next door neighbors @ Fabulous Finds Antique Mall, and she was the 1st person who told me that I should get a booth @ Metcalf Antique Mall right after it opened, cuz it was SO nice, beautiful, and had a super pleasant staff; so I did, & she was right! Zan was super talented and artistic. She was a master at merchandising and displaying her lovely and eclectic array of unique and cool items!
I was shocked to learn she left us WAY too soon! I will miss Zan, but feel super fortunate to have known her, and that she was a friend.
May she rest in peace.

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