Sylvia Jean Brush

Sylvia Jean Brush of Lee’s Summit (formerly of Raytown) passed peacefully on January 9, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

The oldest of five, Sylvia was born in National City, CA to William and Enid O’Neil.  Early in Sylvia’s life the family relocated to Independence, MO and Sylvia became a lifelong resident of eastern Jackson County.

Following her graduation from William Chrisman High School, Sylvia attended Graceland College in Lamoni, IA before returning to Independence where she met her future husband, Dale Richard Brush, originally of Columbus, OH.

Sylvia and Dale were wed in 1961 at New Walnut Park Community of Christ Church and the couple settled in Raytown where they raised three children.  Sylvia was deeply involved in the community, including Raytown RLDS Congregation, PTA and Beta Sigma Phi, holding numerous leadership positions within each organization.  She was a staunch advocate for her son, Greg, to be included in mainstream education and sports despite being born deaf.

Sylvia and Dale were well known as Mr. & Mrs. Claus, bringing joy to countless families for nearly 25 years.  Their private home visits always included story time with Mrs. Claus and tales of the hapless elf Icicle.

In the 1980’s Sylvia founded Sylvia’s Treat Shop and Balloon Bouquets which catered numerous weddings and special event across the metro area.

Following her catering career, Sylvia became Library Media Manager at Eastwood Hills Elementary in the Raytown School District where she retired in 2006.  She would then hold the same position at University Academy until finally retiring in 2011.

Sylvia’s passions were cooking, family, friends, the arts, travel, and service to others, all of which she managed to perfection even in “retirement”.  Famous dishes among family and friends were roast, carrots and potatoes, company chicken and decadent desserts.  Family time and "Grandma Days" where cherished events.  Her love for the Arts included Starlight Theatre, Theatre League and Kansas City Symphony season tickets. Her "Grandma Adventures” and travels with friends were legendary.  In service she continued to volunteer her time for her grandchildren’s school libraries and held leadership positions in her church, sorority, Kansas City Symphony Alliance and Friends of the Symphony.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her husband Dale, daughter Julie and grandson Jason.  She is survived by two siblings, son Greg (Marlo), daughter Diana (Matt), nine grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and countless friends.

A celebration of life will be held 10:00 AM, April 6, 2024 at Stone Church in Independence, MO.  Interment will be performed in a private ceremony at Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery, where Dale and Sylvia will be jointly laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Kansas City Symphony Alliance or the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation