JOANN RANDALL MASON

1917 - 2017

JOANN RANDALL MASON (MERTZ) APRIL 1, 1917 - SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 I have lived a good and long life. I was born to Russell and Una Randall on April 1, 1917, in Detroit, MI. That's right. I am an April Fool's baby. I had fun with that fact my entire life. I was smart in school, valedictorian, and most thought I was attractive. My first job was to trade out your burned-out light bulbs with a new bulb, of higher wattage, of course. I lost that job when I married Robert A. Mason in 1945. (Married women were not allowed to work.) He was a "catch" because he was a Michigan State graduate with a good job; working for Buick Motor. We moved to Kansas City where my beautiful baby boy, Randall (Randy), was born in 1945. Buick then moved us to Chicago where my beautiful daughter, Judith (Judy), was born. In 1955, we all moved to Davison, MI, where we spent many happy years. I worked off and on during the years in Davison mostly in the Genesee County Library system. I went to different libraries that were short-handed; I loved it. My husband, Bob, retired early from Buick so we were lucky to travel across and around this Country for 25 years seeing all the beautiful and amazing sights America has to offer. In 2001, Bob and I sold our home in Davison, MI, packed up everything we owned and moved to Overland Park, KS to live with our daughter, Judy. Robert Mason died on March 8, 2002, and my beloved son Randy died in 2006. During this time, I occupied myself with reading every book I touched, eating Russell Stovers chocolate, watching old movies and anything else I wanted to do. All was good. On September 10, 2017, Jesus wrapped me in his grace and took me to a place I only imagined. Everyone I have ever loved was there to greet me. Don't grieve for me. Cheer instead. I will see you again. My daughter, Judy Mason Mertz, of Overland Park, is my only survivor. Condolences may be shared with Judy at www.CremationCenterKC.com Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Queen of the Holy Rosary, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, KS 66204. Lunch will be provided after the service. I am standing on the seashore. A ship spreads her sails to the morning breeze and starts for the ocean. I stand watching her until she fades on the horizon, and someone at my side says, "She is gone!" Gone where? The loss of sight is in me, not in her. Just at the moment when someone says, "She is gone," there are others who are watching her coming. Other voices take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"