Iridell A. Menzies

Iridell A. Menzies passed away peacefully, in her room at the Groves, Independence MO, on Friday, July 8, 2005. She lived a life of exemplary, loving purpose and dedication, as a devout member of the Community of Christ. Dell was born November 17, 1918, in Manna, Saskatchewan, to Frederick and Mabel Fisher. She was the oldest of nine children. She met James S. Menzies in 1941 and the two were married on July 17, 1943. Their life�s work was defined early, when Jim became a full-time appointee minister in the Community of Christ. Jim and Dell were a team, offering ministry in and around Saskatchewan, then in turn in Illinois, West Virginia, Kansas, Great Britain, Arkansas, and Idaho. They retired from appointment in 1980 and returned to Wichita before settling in Buckner, MO, in 1982. They lived in Buckner until health concerns caused them to move into the Fountains and then then the Groves. Dell loved children and youth. Her piano teaching provided an avenue to enrich the lives of countless young people over the years. Yet by many, she will be remembered for her work at church youth camps, vacation Bible Schools, and as a youth leader. Many remember her ability to build worship experiences around campfires. She was also an outstanding women�s department leader, organizing programs for women throughout her life. When the family moved to England in 1960, Jim and Dell launched an intensive program of vacation Bible Schools, among the first held there. In the five years they were in England they organized and led more than 50 vacation Bible Schools. Dell organized the schedule, classes, music, and handicrafts. No child was beyond the reach of her love. She was recognized by the Community of Christ for her work with youth over her lifetime of service. In 1992 she was awarded the Church�s International Youth Service Award for "outstanding service to youth�. Wherever she went, Dell made things better. Every place she lived was a blessed by her presence. Jim and Dell had two sons. James was born in 1947 and John in 1948. Dell was a superb mother, who set a shining example. She took pride in her son�s accomplishments, while downplaying her own, profound influence in their lives. Dell leaves behind a priceless legacy, written in the hearts of those whose lives she touched. She is remembered with great joy and thankfulness by her husband Jim; her son James and his wife Bente and their children Sandra and Frederick: son John, his wife Elizabeth and their three daughters, Lauren, Alexandra, and Morgan; and by her surviving brothers and sisters, Viola Dickson, Iola McNutt, Ken Fisher, and Howard Fisher. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, July 15, at 2:00 pm at the Ridgewood Pleasant Heights Congregation of the Community of Christ, 4341 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Kansas City, MO. All are welcome to come and celebrate the life of Dell Menzies. The family request that no flowers be sent, but contributions in her memory can be made to Outreach International.