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BORN
1925
DIED
2020
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Mary Kittrell Obituary
March 18, 1925 - October 18, 2020
Overland Park, Kansas - Mary Ruth Kittrell, age 95, passed away October 18th from Covid-19. Her parents were Merrill and Helen May Riddick. Her father was a WWI aviator, flight instructor, and barnstormer, who began flying her at age 6 months, and she thus loved travel all her life, having visited 27 countries and all 50 states. With her first husband Richard Kittrell (d. 1995), she raised four children, got her masters degree, was a chemist, musician, certified scuba diver, active church member, leader of PTA, Weight Watchers, and Parkinsons support group, teacher of middle school science, tennis player, and, with her husband Richard Pease (m. 2003), sheltered 14 people in her home. Her son Lewis preceded her in death and she leaves her husband Richard Pease, children Martha Hicks, Carl Kittrell, and Karen Prideaux, 9 grand children, and 4 great grand children.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary Kittrell
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6 Entries
Joann Christian
October 26, 2023
I loved going to her Parkinson Support Group meetings. They were always so interesting and helpful. She was always so kind to me and everyone. Now my husband has what they think is Lewy body Parkinsons/Dementia. I miss her now more than ever.
Amy Cheng Vollmer
February 20, 2021
Mrs. Kittrell was one of the people who inspired me to pursue a career that combined teaching with research. I knew I liked working in a lab because my dad used to take me to his lab on Saturday mornings. But my love of teaching came from watching her! When I obtained my first academic position, assistant professor of Mills College in 1985, I found her phone number and called to thank her for inspiring me. During our conversation she told me that she had been feeling depressed and that my call cheered her up. Now as I look to retire in a little over a year, with 33 years of teaching biology in higher ed, I am ever grateful for the role that Mrs K played in my life.
Jamie Metzl
February 19, 2021
Mrs. Kate Rock was my science teacher many years ago at the Hebrew academy. She was so full of life and wonderfully quirky. I am now a writer of books about science and very engaged in the scientific community, and I have no doubt that her inspiration was part of my life journey. Remembering her with great fondness.
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Joann Christian ( DuPont Pharma)
November 6, 2020
Mary Ruth will be forever remembered for her love and service to the KC Parkinson Support Group patients and their caregivers. She was an incredible leader and spokesperson for monthly meetings and exercise groups. She made everyone feel good & hopeful in spite of their Parkinson Disease. She will be missed by all.
Amy Cheng Vollmer
November 1, 2020
Mrs. K was one of my favorite teachers. She had a lot to do with my career path. When I got my first job as an assistant professor of biology, I called to thank her for believing in me! I know she inspired legions of students!
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Reflections Memorial Services, LLC1624 Westport Rd. Suite A, Kansas City, MO 64111
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