Catharine Ann Mesle

Catharine Ann Mesle was born in Independence, Mo. on May 2, 1946, to Frank Carl (Carl) Mesle Jr. and Alice Kathalea (Kay) Sprague Mesle who predeceased her. She was raised in Independence with her sister, Sharon Kay (Sherry) Mesle-Morain (Bill) and her brother, Charles Robert (Bob) Mesle (Barbie). Growing up in Independence, they were surrounded by loving friends and family, including the Stone Church Congregation where their dad served as Pastor and mom was the world’s best “Pastor’s wife”. Ann graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1964 and originally attended Graceland University before finishing her undergraduate degree in History and Political Science at the University of Missouri Columbia. She then earned her J.D. at UMKC in 1972. She was fortunate to have a long and rewarding career at Achtenberg, Sandler and Balkin, P.C.; Southwestern Bell Telephone Company; and Lathrop & Gage, LLP before being appointed to the Bench as Circuit Court Judge by Governor Wilson in 2000. 

Upon her retirement in 2013, Ann spent more of her time focused on community. She served on many boards, including Park University, Jackson County Children’s Services Fund, Diastole, Health Forward Foundation, Martha Starr Education Fund, Powell Gardens, and countless others. She often challenged the status quo, pushing for equity and justice in a way that promoted respect and dignity. She prided herself in being part of a family legacy that advocated for the less fortunate, and who spoke up at the presence of injustice.

Her love of her family and friends brought joy to her life. She took to heart Congressman Cleaver’s admonition that “service is the rent we owe for our place on earth.” During her life she received more awards than she thought she deserved as she committed time to the Bar, higher education, the needs of children and protecting the quality of life for our next generation. Ann was a fierce advocate and supporter of her daughter, Meg, and was proud to “hood” her on stage when Meg also graduated from UMKC Law School in 2011. Ann and her husband, Terry, traveled extensively and loved their shared adventures. They loved their grandchildren: Elizabeth, Lincoln, Aspen, and Sophia, and were dedicated to supporting them, whether taking trips, hosting sleepovers, pool days, baking, or watching them play on their many sports teams. Ann loved time spent with friends, relished sunny days in the garden, researching the family’s genealogy, lazy Sunday morning drives, and discussing current events over a glass of sauvignon blanc. 

She is survived by her husband, Terry Christenberry, her daughter, Meg McCollister (Jacob Hodge); stepdaughters Laura Christenberry (Michel Rooyen), and Christina Robare (Lee); and grandchildren, Elizabeth Hodge, Lincoln Hodge, Aspen Hodge; and Sophia Rooyen; and Issac Robare; sister Sherry Mesle-Morain (Bill); brother Bob Mesle (Barbie); and wonderful nieces, nephews and all their awesome spouses and children.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grand Street Café on the Country Club Plaza on January 31st from 3-6pm, remarks at 4pm. Color encouraged. Donations may be made to UMKC Law Foundation, Operation Breakthrough, or charities important to donors.