Amy Straus

Amy Marie O'Rourke Straus was born on April 24, 1963 and passed away suddenly on July 28, 2024 at the age of 61. She was preceded in death by her best friend in life, husband Doug and leaves behind three cherished sons, Matthew from Jacksonville Florida, Chris from Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Peter and his wife Laura from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents Betty and William O'Rourke, her sister Marita Bartholome and brother Brian O'Rourke, Father in law Hal Straus and brother in law Rick Neal.
She leaves behind family to cherish her memory, her brother Bill O'Rourke from South Bend, Indiana, her sister Eileen Upton from Overland Park, Kansas her brothers Terry O'Rourke (Mary)from Leawood, Kansas and Kevin O'Rourke (Jan)from Kansas City, Missouri, sister Mary Beth Hodes (Jeff) from Kansas City, Missouri, Sister in-law Erin O'Rourke from Fairway Kansas, her mother in-law Janet Straus and sisters in law Melissa Straus from Overland Park, Kansas and Stephanie Straus Neal from Tucson, Arizona.
She will be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews whom she loved to follow and always "liked" on social media.
She met the love of her life, Douglas Matthew Straus, working for his parents company, Crabtree & Evelyn. Not only was she a valued member of the Crabtree & Evelyn family, but was very quickly and happily accepted into the Straus family.
As a mother she always supported her 3 boys no matter the situation, always motivated them to be their best, and was the glue that kept her family together during the toughest times of their lives. Her strong will, drive, and motivation will live on through her 3 sons.
Amy showed a love for life daily. She was always helping others in any way she could. Ask her coworkers at any First Watch, Denny's, and Sticky Fingers that she worked with and they would tell you about how she made a cake for every coworkers birthday or special occasion even if was her day off. As a mother to her sons, many at her restaurants, as well as her son's friends, also considered her a mother figure. She was truly selfless and always put others first.
She loved watching the Chiefs and Royals, especially the super bowls and even got a hug from Travis Kelce when the Chiefs were playing the Jacksonville Jaguars and he ate breakfast at her First Watch. She loved listening to Travis and Jason's podcast. She was a true Bravo fan and especially enjoyed Andy Cohen and the real housewives but also liked watching old seasons of her favorite tv shows.
Amy was an advocate for her fellow citizens.
Councilman and other servants of the people will no longer hear her heartfelt concerns for our communities and our country.
She is one of those people that are truly unforgettable and will be greatly missed.
She touched many people through her life evident by all those reaching out during this time of mourning.
A Celebration of Life ceremony for Amy will be held in Leawood, KS on Saturday, September 7th from 1 pm - 4 pm. For additional information please contact Eileen at meupton@comcast.net