Jennifer Wright Childers, 69, Stilwell, Kansas, died on Monday, January 14, 2008, at Kansas City Hospice House after a courageous battle with cancer. A celebration of her life will be 2 p.m. on Friday, January 18, at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf. Burial in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Stilwell, Kansas. While at the gathering of family and friends 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday at the chapel, please take a moment to visit the Enduring Memories booth to create a personal remembrance for the family that they will cherish for years to come. Contributions in Jennifer's name are suggested to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145 or to the charity of your choice. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.dwnewcomers.com. Jennifer was born on April 14, 1938, in Wenatchee, Washington, the daughter of Glenn and Margaret Wright. Her father, a major league baseball player, lived in many cities where his career took them. Ultimately, the family moved to Harrisonville, Missouri in 1940. Jennifer graduated from Harrisonville High School in 1956 and attended the University of Missouri, Columbia, graduating from the School of Business in 1960. She pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and has remained an active member of the Kansas City Alumnae Association, receiving her 50- year pin in October 2007. Jennifer had a passion for all athletics, inheriting the desire to compete and excel from her father and brother. Her biggest passion, other than family, was tennis, and though she has many accomplishments on the court, her greatest joy is the countless friendships she made both on and off the court. Jennifer had a varied and entrepreneurial career in the fields of finance, insurance, and textiles. For the past 20 years she has been employed by the Johnson County Fire and Rescue Department. They were not only her employer, but "family" to her, giving and receiving love and kindness she held dear. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Cameon. Jennifer is survived by her sons Christopher and Craig; her brother Rob Wright and wife Carolyn; and numerous nieces and nephews. (Arr.: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, at 913-451-1860.)
Published in the Kansas City Star on 1/16/2008.