9/21/1934 – 7/20/2023
Overland Park
Cynthia Jeanne (Cindy) Spear was born September 21, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Karl E. and Rhoda C. Spear, the eldest of four children. She passed away on July 20, 2023, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.
Cindy was a well-loved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She graduated from Baldwin High School in 1952 before attending Baker University. While at Baker, Cindy was in choir and played varsity volleyball all four years and varsity softball three years. She was Secretary of the Class of 1956, President of the Women’s Athletic Association, Phi Mu President, President of the Panhellenic Council, and Vice President of the French Club. Cindy graduated from Baker in 1956 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.
After graduation, Cindy trained at St. Luke’s Hospital in KCMO, working as a Medical Technologist for Drs. Byers, Ballard, Thompson, Skillman, Petitt and Forsythe’s Offices. She also served as a burn care nurse, where her compassionate care helped those in great need. She was a member of the Greater KC Medical Technologists Society. After taking postgraduate courses at KU Medical Center, she eventually went back to college, graduating from the University of Kansas in 1983 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Cindy worked in hospice care until her retirement. A member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Academy of Clinical Social Workers, she also served as a KU School Official Welfare Practicum Liaison. Even after retirement, she volunteered with Daughters and Co., providing loving care and assistance to the elderly. She was a member of the NE Johnson County Republican Women and Phi Mu Alumnae of Greater KC. She always stayed connected to her beloved Phi Mu sisters, especially her “Breakfast Bunch,” who met monthly in Kansas City up to 2019.
Fifty years ago, Cindy was a founding member of the Unity Church of Overland Park. She especially enjoyed fellowship in between services by welcoming all with coffee. Her passions included Unity teachings, being in the church choir, reading (especially about holistic health and stress management), bowling, golf, wood carving, and bird watching. Always a respected leader, she served as Vice-President on the Wyandotte-Johnson County Women’s Bowling Association Board. Cindy faithfully sent birthday cards to all family and friends, showering us with food and gifts, telling jokes and adding a playful atmosphere to family gatherings.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Rhoda Spear, her sister, Pat Potter, and nephews Sam and Steve Potter. She is survived by her sister, Janice Craig (Baldwin); her brother, Karl (Bud) Spear and his wife, Nancy (Colorado/Nova Scotia), and brother-in-law, Oke Potter (Baldwin), as well as her many nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews.
Cindy’s Celebration of Life will be held at her beloved Unity Church of Overland Park in Lenexa on Saturday, August 23 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UCOP. UCOP address is: Plexpod Lenexa, 10000 Marshall Dr.
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