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BETH NIVEN Obituary

Beth Reiff Niven, 51, of Leawood, Kan., passed away August 20, 2012, in Leawood. Beth was born on April 25, 1961, in Kansas City. She graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School where she developed a life-long love for the theatre. She went on to graduate from the University of Kansas with a degree in Theatre, and upon graduation was awarded the prestigious Kilty Cane award for excellence within the Department of Theatre. She spent 10 years in New York, NY, in her chosen profession, first as a stage management intern at the Juilliard School, and later became a member of the faculty there. While in New York she married Kip Niven. Upon the birth of their daughter, Maggie, the Nivens returned to their native Kansas City. Beth gave her free time to the Girl Scouts and PTA. Her daughter, Maggie, was the light of her life. Beth is survived by her husband, Kip Niven of Kansas City, and daughter, Maggie Niven of Leawood; step-children, Jim Niven (Christa) of Raleigh, NC, and Kate Morse (Matt) of New York, NY; parents, Mary and Steve Reiff of Westwood Hills, Kan., and sister, Susan Ahn (Ho) of Leawood Kan. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in Beth's memory to the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and Missouri, IMO Beth Reiff Niven, 8383 Blue Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64133 or online at www.girlscoutsksmo.org or Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Attn.: CareCards, 165 W. 46th St., #1300, New York, NY 10036 or online at www.broadwaycares.org Arr.: Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri, 8837 Roe, Prairie Village, KS 66207 (913) 383-9888. Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri, www.kccremation.com

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

Published by Kansas City Star on Aug. 26, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for BETH NIVEN

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sara curry

September 19, 2012

Hello. My name is Sara Curry. I am a friend of Beth's. I am shocked and sad to say the least. I have no other way to reach out to you. I hope this is appropriate. I need to know what happened to my dear friend. Would one of you please call me. 913-963-4770. Maggie- most of the time your mom and I talked about you. It would be hard to say that I've ever seen a mother more in love with her child. You are a light.

Jerry Ogden

September 1, 2012

Kip, words are so inadequate to express my sympathy to you and Maggie. Your memories of a life loved will sustain you. I wish you peace, now and forever.

Deb Bluford

August 31, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love of friends and family.

Amy Wheeler

August 30, 2012

Dear Kip, Maggie, Susan, Mary & Steve,

I am so sorry to hear of Beth's passing, and of your loss. Beth was an amazing woman and her vibrant spirit shines on. She was a dear friend and mentor to me in college, and such a talented, passionate theatre-maker. Her influence set me on a path that's become my life's work, and I will always be grateful. I hold you in my thoughts. Warmly, Amy

Nancy Marcy

August 29, 2012

Dear, Sweet Maggie ... I just learned of your Mother's death. I wrap you in my virtual hug, and send love and prayers to you! I hope I can see you soon and accomplish that hug in person! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you ... Love, Nancy

Ala

August 29, 2012

Maggie,Mary&Steve,Kip,Susan - Beth will be missed by many! All of you are in my thoughts.

B. Scott Nelson

August 29, 2012

Kip,
I was so sorry and shocked to hear of this tragic news and send my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I know you to be a strong person and am confident you will see your way through this difficult time with class and dignity. Hang in there, big guy.

B. Scott

Julie and Carsten Mortensen

August 28, 2012

Dear Kip, Maggie, and all our Niven friends,

We are so sorry for your loss. Beth was a sweet person, and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you all.

Kaerlig Hilsen fra
Familien Mortensen

August 28, 2012

Dear Kip and Maggie,

Beth and your family have been a blessing to the Girl Scouts for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Sincerely, Dana (Allen) Snyder and Troop 3004

Andria & Avi Mitra

August 27, 2012

Kip,
We were very sad to learn of Beth's passing, and we offer our most sincere condolences to you, Maggie and the rest of your family at this time. Hoping you'll find comfort knowing that your friends in the neighborhood have you in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there's anything we can do. With deepest sympathy.

Joe Rettenmaier

August 27, 2012

Mary, Susan, Steve, Kip, and Maggie,
I am so very sorry to hear of Beth's passing. She was a wonderful influence and advocate for me when I entered KU Theater as a freshman, and I have always held those college memories we shared together so dear. She was also a cherished member of our extended family when we were all growing up together, as you know, which has always given her a special place in our hearts. So please know Mom and I here in Seattle are sending heartfelt condolences and prayers to all of you.
Sincerely,

Jane Bartholomew

August 27, 2012

Kip and Maggie - my thoughts and prayers are with you at this horrible time. Please know that God is watching over you and taking good care of Beth.

Jeff and Pat Burbridge

August 27, 2012

We are so sorry for your loss and your heartache. May you find peace in the loving memories that will never die.

Gregory Hill

August 27, 2012

I am so shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of someone who was such a positive and wonderful person. I am so privileged to have known and worked with Beth. She will truly be missed by those who knew her.

Koki Sabates

August 26, 2012

Niven Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Much love to you all during this hard time.

August 26, 2012

Our love and prayers are with all of you. Dooley Ann and Family

Dianne & Bob Starcke

August 26, 2012

Bob and I are deeply saddened and sorry to hear of your family's tragic loss. Our throughts and prayers will enfold you all in the days ahead.

Kandace Longoria

August 26, 2012

We pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will cover you with His comfort and peace. Love, Carlos and Kandace Longoria

Julie Hoefer

August 26, 2012

I am so sad to read of Beth's passing. She and I were close friends growing up at Second Presbyterian Church. We traveled to Alaska together and had the experience of a lifetime. My thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time. I will always remember Beth's beautiful smile...Julie (Mick) Hoefer

Judi Marcus-Farinelli

August 26, 2012

Kip, I am very sorry to hear about your recent loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your children, and family.

Janice Seastream

August 26, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go to Beth's entire family. Maggie, your Mom will be embedded in your heart forever.

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