Ethel Kean

Ethel Claire (Austin) Kean, 85, of Independence, MO passed away September 13, 2013. A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, at the Suburban Chapel with burial to follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Kansas City, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to LOSNA Foundation in support of Shriners Hospitals or Salvation Army. Ethel was born May 18, 1928 in Kansas City, MO to William and Marjorie (Carr) Austin. She was a member of LOSNA, Eastern Star and a majority member of Job’s Daughters. Ethel was a musician, poet and artist all of her life, and taught music in her later years. She was an accomplished pianist, organist, violinist and vocalist. After over 30 years of service, she retired from Bendix in 1992. Ethel enjoyed being a lifelong learner. In 1996, she proudly completed her Bachelor’s Degree, and was able to receive her diploma in a memorable graduation along side of her daughter at Columbia University. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, CMDR William H. Austin, Jr.; and one sister, Nina Adele Austin. She is survived by her three children, W. Alan Kean and wife Paula, Claire Lindsey and husband Skip and Owen Austin Kean; four grandchildren, David Kean, Sara Faulkner (Kean), Jeremy Lindsey, Heather Donahoo (Lindsey); three great granddaughters and an expected fourth great grandchild.