March 6, 1947 - November 29, 2015
Mary Sturgeon left our lives on November 29th, 2015 after a courageous battle with influenza-B, pneumonia and partially collapsed lungs. Everything was looking bright when she entered physical rehabilitation because of her two month bed stay when blood clots traveled to her lungs. She was diagnosed with a massive pulmonary embolism. Less than 16 hours later she lost the battle despite valiant efforts by the staff of St Luke's Plaza ICU.
Mary was born in St Joseph, MO on March 6, 1947. She was raised by her maternal grandmother Elsie Allison attending Neely Grade School and Lafayette High School where she played the clarinet in the band and sang in the choir. Mary studied music at St Joseph Junior College where she met the love of her life. She worked in retail sales and management for her entire career. She, with her husband, opened, operated and managed the first and largest Hardware and Home Center Store on the Belt Highway in St Joseph for ten years. When the store closed she worked at Montgomery Ward, and then Sears in St Joseph moving to Sears Antioch in Kansas City where she worked until her hospitalization. Mary and her husband moved to a home they designed and built together on the Missouri River bluffs, in the Parkville, MO area in 2002, to be closer to family and work. She enjoyed music and oil painting, board and card games with friends and was willing to cook for anyone that showed up at family and friend gatherings. Mary loved to travel with her husband and often their daughter's family. They had the opportunity to travel to Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, throughout the United States. and as far as New Zealand and the south pacific. She especially enjoyed the many cultural and culinary differences she experienced. Her favorite location was the Hawaiian Islands which explained their many visits there.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Michael Sturgeon. They married in 1966. He was privileged by Mary's sharing with him, her life and love for 50 of her 68 years. Despite Mary's desire for several children, she and Mike were blessed with only one child their daughter Mitchie Mullendore. Mitchie was the delight of their lives together. Mary doted on her and wanted every success for her. She went to every softball game and swim meet possible in which Mitchie participated. Mitchie attended Missouri Western State College, then pursued a career as a flight attendant for first Braniff and then United Airlines. Mitchie presented us with three beautiful grandsons that are growing into outstanding young men. Mary delighted in babysitting the boys and attending their school activities, baseball and hockey games and tennis and golf matches as they grew to manhood. Her oldest grandson Dax Mullendore is a senior in St Luke's Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. He is also a multi-talented musician playing six instruments. Mary attended every performance of his that was possible. Her middle grandson, Jett Mullendore is a freshman at Northwest Missouri State University and is also considering a career in the medical field. Her youngest grandson, Zane Mullendore is a sophomore at Park Hill High School. He interested in music and is still exploring options for his future. Mary's many friends included some from grade school, high school, her workplaces and others more recent. She enjoyed many exploratory trips in the region with her friends and many gatherings for food and games. She is sorely missed by her husband, daughter, grandsons, and many friends, but thr memory of her goodness and love will be with us forever.
Visitation and services will be held at Vineyard Church at 12300 NW Arrowhead Trafficway,
Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Friday, December 4th. Funeral Services are at 1:00 PM, Saturday, December 5th. Internment service will be at the Savannah City Cemetery in Savannah, MO following the service.