Lelia Jean Robinson

Lelia Jean (Osborn) Erwin Robinson, age 94, passed away peacefully in the arms of our Lord Jesus on October 22, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. She was born on January 7, 1927 in Kansas City, MO to James Marion Harrison Osborn and Lillie Katie (Duby) Osborn in Kansas City, MO.

Lelia graduated from Central High School at age 16, where she was a majorette. She worked for Western Auto, Kansas City, MO for six years. She met and married her first husband Robert (Bob) L. Erwin, Sr. in August 1949, and they were blessed with three children. Bob preceded her in death in January 1973. Lelia was then married to her second husband Jefferson (Jay) B. Robinson in January 1974, until his passing in July 1995.

As a mother, Lelia was an involved parent in many of her children’s activities, and their schooling at Our Saviour Lutheran School/Church in KCKS. She was a leader of a Camp Fire Girls group for six years. She was a talented seamstress and made many of the clothes for her children. In 1966, Lelia went to work for the Shawnee Mission School District as a secretary for Skyline, Special Education and for two District Superintendents. After retirement she volunteered as a secretary for her church, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Harrisonville, MO. She loved music and sang in the choirs of both churches.

Lelia was very active during her retirement years, travelling to Alaska, Ireland, England, Scotland, Colorado and many places throughout the U.S. She and Jay enjoyed camping and fishing together. Lelia was an avid reader, and especially loved to read her Bible. She made lots of quilts and even went on a quilt cruise for her 80th birthday. She enjoyed cross-stitching, crocheting and other needlework. Lelia liked printing her own “Nanny-Mark” cards for special occasions. One of her joys was ballroom dancing and she attended dances at least three times a week way into her upper 80’s.
In November 2017, Lelia became a resident of Crown Care Center in Harrisonville. She entertained herself by doing crossword puzzles, coloring and doing the many activities that were offered. She always tried to make others laugh and in her usual humble way, did not like to ask for help if she could do it herself.
In addition to her parents and two husbands, Lelia was preceded in death by her sister Velma (Osborn) Day & brother-in-law Bud Day, step-daughter Brenda (Robinson) Dobbs, son-in-law Timothy Murdock, and daughter-in-law Christine (Moore) Erwin.

Lelia is survived by Paula Erwin Murdock of Pleasant Hill, MO, Robert Erwin, Jr of Pleasant Hill, MO, James (Robin) Erwin of Harrisonville, MO, Marla Robinson of Ellinwood, KS. Six grandchildren Brian (Clarissa) Neal of Overland Park, KS, Tiffany (Ryan) Driver of Pleasant Hill, MO, Caleb Erwin of Belton, MO, Joshua Erwin of Olathe, KS, and Abraham (Kseniia) Erwin of Beaverton, OR, Sarah (Chris) Stromski of Ellinwood, KS. She has ten great-grandchildren Dylan (Jessica) Neal, Ayden Neal, Mackynze, Gage, Cason and Brody Driver, Gracie Erwin and Jacob Erwin, Landen and Annalysa Stromski and one great-great-grandchild, Rylan Neal.

Visitation with family will be held on Wednesday, October 27th between 4:30 & 7:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2400 E. Mechanic Street in Harrisonville, MO 64701, Pastor Dan Berg.

Memorial & Celebration of Life Services will be held on October 28th at 10:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, 1300 Lexington Road, Pleasant Hill, MO 64080, Officiated by Pastor James Stanfield-Myers.

A graveside service will follow at Mount Washington Cemetery in Kansas City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial donations to Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Harrisonville, MO.