Patricia An "Pat" Zahniser

Patricia An "Pat� Zahniser, 71, of Independence, MO passed away Wednesday July 14, 2004 at Independence Regional Health Center. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 6:00 pm at Community of Christ, Woods Chapel (500 NE Woods Chapel Rd, Lee�s Summit), with visitation at the church from 4:30 until 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be made to Outreach International or Graceland University. Pat was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend and a faithful servant of God. She was born April 14, 1933 in Perry, IA, the oldest daughter of James N. and Mary Louise (Mussell) Parker. Pat spent her growing up years in Iowa, with her 2 sisters, Dixie and Marja, and her large extended family. She attended Graceland College and met Stan Zahniser. They married October 5, 1952 and their love for each other and God shaped their relationship. Her sweet spirit and strong faith are legacies she leaves to her 4 children and their spouses; Terry and Bob McDermid, Joplin, MO; Steve and Nancy Zahniser, Lawrence, KS; Alan Zahniser, Lee�s Summit, MO; Nadine and Paul Bennetts, Olathe, KS; and also 9 grandchildren, the delight of her life; David and John McDermid; Luke, Seth and Anna Zahniser; Andrew and Janelle Zahniser; Caitlin and Jessie Bennetts. Stan then became a full-time minister for the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Community of Christ) and they spent the rest of their life together traveling. She made homes for the family in WY; MO; FL; IL and IA. Pat earned a Masters in History from Florida Atlantic University and a Masters in Special Education from the University of Iowa and Kansas. She supervised a community senior center and helped develop programs for the elderly. Pat worked with the Learning Disabilities Institute at the University of Kansas and completed many of the requirements toward her doctorate. She also wrote articles for publication in a number of sources. She volunteered at the Community of Christ Temple, organizing visits by congregations. After Stan�s death in 1981, she moved to Lawrence, KS. She moved to Lee�s Summit in 1993. Pat was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Stan. She is survived by her 4 children, 9 grandchildren, 2 sisters, a sister-in-law (Anita Zahniser), nephews, many cousins and her canine companion, Casey.