1913-2007
Edna Amanda Bear, 93, entered into rest Friday, March 2, 2007 at her home in Mission Hills, Kan., surrounded by her family and friends. A celebration of Edna’s life was held at 11 am Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at The Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kan., with a reception immediately following at the church. A private family interment was held at Mount Moriah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to St. Luke’s Hospice, 3100 Broadway, Suite 1000, Kansas City, MO 64111 or Mid-American Heart Institute of Kansas City, 4401 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64111 or The Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kan.
Edna was born in 1913, the daughter of James Everett and Alice B. Pugh in Gallatin, Mo. Edna resided in the Kansas City area since 1933. She began working for Putsch’s 210 on The Country Club Plaza while living with relatives. She later moved to Ponce De Leon and became involved in Cumberland Presbyterian Church where she would later meet her future husband, John Lawrence Bear. After she married Jack, Edna became an active partner in his building business, first as the company bookkeeper then decorating his model homes. As the company grew, Edna was able to become a full-time mother and pursue her love for gardening. This passion eventually lead to her garden being featured in the Kansas City Garden Tour. She enjoyed community work for many years with Kansas City Young Matrons which she joined in 1941. Through her community work, she most enjoyed working with Scholarship Sponsors at Avila College and serving as President of the Scholarship Committee. Edna’s involvement with Mid-American Heart Institute brought her much pleasure. In the early nineteen fifties, Edna found a lifelong love for Hawaii. For twenty years she and her husband spent part of the winter at Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. She was a long time member and supporter of The Village Presbyterian Church. Edna enjoyed playing golf for much of her life especially in the Kansas City District Women’s Golf Association and the 18-holes of Indian Hills Country Club.
Edna was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Jack L. Bear, as well as a brother of Jameson, Mo., and sister of Rancho Bernardo, Calif.
Edna is survived by her daughter, Carroll and husband Paul Burger of Mission Hills, Kan.; her grandchildren R.L. Burger, wife Tami of Overland Park, Kan, Greg Burger, his wife Kris of Arizona, Michael Burger and Jennifer Burger also of Overland Park, Kan. She also leaves five great-grandchildren, Tina, Brock, Spencer, Chandler and Cooper. Edna will always be remembered for the Hawaiian flowers in her hair, the loving bright smile and laughter that could light up a room. “DeeDee’s” grandchildren will always treasure memories of their special trips to Hawaii with her. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
