Carolyn Ann Sturgeon

Carolyn Ann Sturgeon, 84, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2019, with family by her side. She was born in Emporia, Kansas, on December 8, 1934, the second of three daughters to the late Glenn and Grace Zody. Ann and her sisters, Sue Corlett and Jane Hinman, were the best of friends their entire lives. Neither time nor distance apart prevented them from speaking to each other almost every day. Ann was a graduate of Emporia High School and attended Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri. While in high school she met the love of her life, Richard W. Sturgeon, who she married in 1954. They lived in Wichita, Kansas, where they both worked for Boeing Aircraft before moving to Overland Park, Kansas, in 1965. She was a devoted wife and mother who took great pride in raising her children. Ann enjoyed participating in all aspects of their lives from attending equestrian events to high school basketball games. Her grace and warm heart made an indelible impression on her children. She and Richard spent many enjoyable summers in Montana with family and friends. Ann was an excellent gardener and unparalleled cook who set a beautiful table. Her family and friends were the happy recipients of her talents. Ann famously presented each family member with a special birthday cake – or pie in some instances - every year. She enjoyed time with friends in her neighborhood ladies’ bridge group for over 40 years, her garden club, and PEO. She was also an avid sports fan, particularly college basketball, gracefully splitting her allegiance between KU and KSU. Ann was the epitome of a hostess and giver in life. Any time family or friends would stop by the house you would find her in the kitchen. She would immediately offer a cup of coffee and ask you to sit for a visit. Over the years, Ann created countless gifts from Christmas wreaths to centerpieces to croquet sets that she gladly shared with others. She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard, children John Sturgeon (Samantha), Leawood, KS, and Jane Jeffries (Chuck), Louisburg, KS, her grandchildren Andrew Jeffries (Melissa), Scott Sturgeon, Hannah Sturgeon, Madeline Sturgeon, Grace Rehorn, and Jack Sturgeon, sisters Sue Corlett and Jane Hinman (Leroy). A private family interment will be held in Louisburg, KS. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Center at the University of Kansas. www.kucancercenter.org To share your memories of Ann or leave a special condolence message for her family, please click the Share a Memory tab.