Ardyce M. "Ileen" Koonce

Ardyce Koonce, 84, of Independence MO, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2017, at her residence. Cremation is planned. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017, 3:00pm at the Gudgell Park Community of Christ Church in Independence with a reception to follow. Ardyce was born in Rochester MI, to Albert and Elsie (Gonyou) Mellendorf. She spent her early life in Rochester and Lake Orion before attending Graceland University, Pittsburg State College and Oakland University graduating with a master's in music education. She was a vocal music school teacher in Oxford, Lake Orion and Bloomfield Hills MI where she retired in 1988. She moved to Independence MO in 1999. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed reading, knitting and needlepoint. She attended church at Gudgell Park Community of Christ. She was a member of the National Education Association, Michigan Education Association, and the Sigma Alpha Iota sorority. Classical music was her passion and she was a patron of the Kansas City Symphony. Survivors include: her loving husband of 62 years, Earl Koonce of the home; 2 sons, Brian (Nancy) of Independence, and Aaron (Patricia) of Saint Joseph MO; a brother, Bruce Mellendorf (Marge) of Dell Rapids SD; former sister-in-law, Jeanette Mellendorf, Fairview TN; former daughter-in-law, Shayla Koonce, Preston MO; niece Sue Omelianowich of Phoenix AZ; four grandchildren, Danielle, Vanessa, Jacob, Victoria; great-grandchild Tucker; and many other loving family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Graceland University vocal music department or St. Luke's Hospice.