Vonda Louise (Kershner) Mears, 70, Lawrence, passed away Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at her home leaving a legacy of compassion, love and an enjoyment for life. Her words of wisdom and supportive guidance will be passed on for many generations through all the lives she touched.
She was born June 2, 1941, in Amsterdam, Mo., to Boyd M. and Veta V. Vannoy Kershner. She graduated high school in Amsterdam in 1959, and married Claude Alfred Mears, Jr. on June 13, 1959, in Miami, Okla. They moved to Kansas City, Mo., in 1961 where they had Dennis Boyd Mears, the first of their two children. They moved to Topeka in 1968, where they had Denise Louise (Mears) Gibson. The family moved to Hiawatha in 1969 and operated a grocery store in Robinson. Mr. and Mrs. Mears moved to Lawrence in 1996. Mrs. Mears was an associate at Walmart for 25 years, and retired in 2010.
Children played a large role in her life. She spent her retirement volunteering for the Kansas Family Advisory Network and also at The Shelter, Inc., to support local foster care and adoptive programs. She also enjoyed crocheting, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was very common to see her at her family and loved one’s side. She often would travel on business and trips with her daughter, granddaughter and friends. Many of these trips ended in surprise and adventure because she would quietly plan an activity that imprinted memories, leaving great stories to share with others. One of her favorite pastimes was to attend school functions such as band and choir concerts. It was during this time that she would cheer as a proud grandmother does for all of her “adopted grandkids.” While at Walmart, Mrs. Mears organized the annual Children’s Miracle Network fundraising efforts. She earned recognition from CMN for her donated time and passion.
She was preceded in death by her husband on July 1, 2006. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Jim and Bob Kershner, and Boyd Jr., as well as infant great-grandsons Gavin and Gabriel.
Survivors include a son, Dennis Mears and wife Melanie, Robinson, Kan.; a daughter, Denise Gibson and husband Bruce, Lawrence; six grandchildren, Chad, Amanda, Ryan, Kelly, Kyle, and Kaitlyn; and four great grandchildren, Logan, Rogan, Quintin, and Robyn.
A Celebration of Life visitation for Mrs. Mears will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, 601 Ind., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Cremation is planned, and inurnment will be at a later date at Scott Cemetery in Amsterdam, Mo.
The family suggests memorial contributions to The Shelter, Inc. Foster Care Program, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.
