Maryanne Harrison (Knoepker)

MaryAnne Knoepker Harrison, age 87, passed away at Kingswood Health Center on January 28, 2020. MaryAnne was born in Independence, Missouri on January 16, 1933 to Carl and Byrdie (Pollard) Knoepker. Her grandfather started Knoepker’s Department Store in Independence, MO and later was President and Chairman of the Bank of Independence. MaryAnne received a Bachelor’s degree from University of Missouri in Economics in 1954, in Law in 1957, was admitted to the Missouri Bar the same year and remained a member the rest of her life. She also received a Master of Laws degree from UMKC in 1981 and was in private practice most of her career in Independence although she also served as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in KCMO. She was an active member of the Independence Young Matrons, the Junior Service League, and the Chi Omega Sorority at the University of Missouri- Columbia. MaryAnne loved life and never met a stranger or food she did not like. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the lake, be it Lake Lotawana where they lived for many years, or the Ozarks and traveling around the world, but especially with her husband in their motorhome. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years Richard (Dick, 1930-2004), a grandson, Aaron Caldwell, and a brother, Carl W. “Bud” Knoepker, Jr. She is survived by daughters Karen Harrison, Leawood, KS; Barbara H. Treese (Ed), Lake Lotawana, MO; and son Ken Harrison (Debbie), Waterford, MI, and three granddaughters, Emily and Megan Harrison and Elena Speake. Service to be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2020 at Carson-Speaks Funeral Home in Independence on Lexington Ave, with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment will follow the service in Woodlawn Cemetery, Independence, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900)