Glenna Kay Ward

Glenna Kay Burgess Ward, 69, beloved daughter, mother, grandmother and aunt, passed away Tuesday May 5, 2015, at Research Medical Center with her family by her side. Glenna, the oldest of three children, was born on July 14th, 1945 in Bucyrus, Kansas to Harry R. (Bob) and Hazel L. (Cohee) Burgess. She married Jimmy L. Ward October 3, 1968, and later divorced in 2007. Glenna grew up in Stilwell, KS, where she lived out most of her life, moving to Kansas City, MO 15 years ago to be closer to her daughter and grandson. Glenna attended Stilwell Elementary and Stilwell High School graduating in 1963. While attending Stilwell schools Glenna received numerous awards and honors, receiving her bookkeeper certificate while attending high school. She began her bookkeeping career working at Robbins Flooring, the Fred Broski Bowling Tournament and Ristua Sod. Glenna worked for the State of Kansas, as a foster-parent for twenty-five years, caring for numerous children. If someone was in need she was there, to listen, to console, offer words of encouragement, give advice or a dose of reality. Over Glenna"s lifetime she and her home provided solace to many, if someone needed a meal, a safe and warm place to lay their head or a caregiver, her heart and home were open. Glenna was an avid Royals and KU basketball fan, who enjoyed playing cards, cross-word puzzles, playing bingo and a good bargain. Glenna finished out her work path at Research Medical Center as the PBX Supervisor, where she worked for 15 years, and was only recently forced to retire due to health issues. Glenna was preceded in death by her father Harry (Bob) Burgess, brother, Robert (Chub) Burgess and sister, Joan Burgess. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter Kristin Rivera and grandson Dennis Andrew Michael Shepherd both of Kansas City, MO, mother Hazel Burgess of Harrisonville, MO, three sister-in-laws, many other relatives, a lifetime of friends, and her little dog, Mia. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org.