Kansas City Funeral Directors

William Edgar D'Souza

 

It is with great sadness that the family of William Edgar D’Souza announces his passing after a brief illness on 15 April 2020 in Kansas, USA at the age of 87.

Affectionately known as Willie he was originally from Byculla, moving to Bandra and immigrated to Kansas, USA in 1999.

Russell Howard Vaca

Russell Howard Vaca of Kansas City, KS passed away peacefully April 3, 2020 from Covid 19 at KU with his loving wife and 2 children by his side at the age of 64. Russell was born on Easter on March 25, 1956 to John and Marilyn Vaca. He was the second blessing to their growing family which included an older brother that he looked up to and a little sister that came about 1 ½ years later. Russell graduated from Washington High School in 1974. At the age of 17, he met the love of his life Ramona Vaca (Nilges) through his now brother in law and she’s had his heart ever since. She fell in love with his beautiful green eyes and his smile. Russell and Ramona dated for approximately 2 years and were married on September 11, 1976 at Christ the King Catholic Church. In February of 1978 they added a little boy to their family and on Easter in April of 1979 they added their little girl.

Russell was a lover of antique cars and trucks. Throughout his life he owned various makes and models of vehicles, with his favorite being his 1967 Chevy Nova. He was always so proud of his vehicles. Early on, Russell started out working in the grocery business with his dad and brother. Around the time that he was married, he transitioned into working in the lumber business. He worked for Sutherlands, E. A. Nielson Lumber Company and Welborn Lumber. He also had a second job that he loved; delivering donuts for Judy’s Bakery. He would take his children with him on the routes at night.

Russell and his wife moved to Colorado for about a year to pursue his dream of living in the mountains, but returned to Kansas City after the birth of their first grandchild. Russell joined the Unified Government of Wyandotte County Parks and Recreation in 2002 and invested every bit of himself in his work. He was a very hard-working man and always took pride in everything that he did. He made many close friends along the way.

Russell enjoyed spending time with his family, looking at cars and watching sports. He loved the KC Royals, KU basketball and the KC Chiefs. He wanted nothing more than to see his Chiefs win a Superbowl in his lifetime. Little did we know what was to come 2 short months later.

Russell is survived by his wife of 44 years and soulmate Ramona Vaca of Kansas City, KS and their children Russell Vaca Jr of Kansas City, KS and Jennifer Lucas (Jen) of Trenton, MO. He is also survived by his mother Marilyn Vaca, brother John Vaca (Kay), and sister Diane Vaca. He also leaves behind 6 grandchildren: Colyn, Julianna, Elizabeth, Zechariah, Lillianna and Alexander. He loved nothing more than being a grandpa. He also leaves behind many extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father John Vaca.

Russell’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff on Unit 61 at KU for the kindness and care that you gave him and our family throughout this time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Go Fund Me page that a dear friend from Florida set up for his wife Ramona titled “Give Back to Ramona” to help with her finances and well-being.

Due to current restrictions a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Chong Her Yang

Chong Her Yang, age 76, passed away April 5th, 2020 in Kansas City, Kansas.

Chong is survived by his wife Mao Her Yang, five sons, Toua (Chue), Xao (Sumaly), Fue (Xai), Mike (Sarad), True (Pang) and two daughters Nou (Lue) and Tang (Joe). He also leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Steven Lewis Graham

Steven Lewis Graham departed this life March 30, 2020. He is the second
son of Kenneth Lee and Rosie (Thomas) Graham. Born October 06, 1949
in Fort Scott, Kansas. The young family moved to Kansas City, Kansas
when Steve was six months old. The family was joined by little sister
DeAnn in 1961.
Steve graduated from Wyandotte H.S, in 1967, not attending his own
graduation. He worked at Griffs Drive-In while going to school. Upon his
graduation he worked at Hallmark for about a year then began a lifelong
career in 1969 with Kansas Gas Service. He started as a serviceman,
moving to A/C man, dispatcher and finally “working foreman”. Retiring in
2007 after thirty-six years.
One of his lifelong friends, Jim Vogel had encouraged him to come to work
at the gas company. Along with working there he was a staunch Union
man. Upon Jim’s promotion, Steve became the president of the
Steelworkers Local 12561 Union. A position he held until he retired.
Steve was in the Army, overnight. He joined but the next day he was told
because of a problem in one knee he couldn’t serve.
March 11, 1978 Steve met his future wife, Sharyn at a private club in
Kansas City, Kansas. At that time he was living in Shawnee. In June 1986
Steve proposed, they married the following October.
Sharyn had been married before, both sons were out on their own. Steve
became Grandpa to their children and Great Grandpa to their children’s
babies. Eight grandchildren, nine greats with two more on the way this
year.
He was “Uncle” to five, one nephew, four nieces, “Great Uncle” to nine,
three girls, six boys. The youngest, Abner was born Feb 28 in Moline,
Illinois. Beside the niece (Michele) in Moline, he has a niece (Christa) in
Independence and another (Natalie) in Portland, Oregon. His brother’s son
and daughter (Aaron and Erica) are both living in California.
Steve and Sharyn traveled all over the country on “union trips”, Las Vegas,
San Diego, Portland, New Orleans, just to name a few. They also traveled
after Steve retired. Hawaii in 2011 for their 25th anniversary. Bangor,
Maine in 2014, sadly for Sharyn’s sister-in-law’s funeral. Their last trip was
to San Diego in 2018 after they had to say goodbye to their beloved puppy
girl, Brandi. Steve got Brandi for Sharyn and brought her to her forever
home at eight weeks. Don’t tell Sharyn but Brandi LOVED Steve best.
Steve was an avid fisherman, hunter and golfer, having taken up golf late.
He always said he wasn’t very good at it but he had fun.
After retirement he joined a coffee group at Oak Park Mall with other
retirees from an assortment of professions.
Everywhere Steve went he made friends, keeping his old friends close,
much like his parents.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of thirty-three plus years, his brother
Dale, his sister DeAnn, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and
nephews, great nieces and nephews, countless friends, extended family
and his Union brothers.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a future date.

Cruz (Ruth) Martinez

Cruz (Ruth) Martinez

Cruz (Ruth) Martinez, 93, Roeland Park, formerly of Kansas City, Kansas, died peacefully in her home on March 18, 2020, surrounded by two of her children who had lovingly cared for her. She is survived by sons, Antonio Martinez Jr. and Mario Martinez; daughters Maria Schuepbach (Tom), Veronica Sellers (Jere), and Pamela Martinez; 17 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; sister Mary Ann Marquez; and brothers Louis Marquez and Peter Marquez.
Cruz was predeceased by her parents, Antonio and Inez Marquez; brothers Lupe Marquez, John Marquez, and Antonio Marquez, Jr.; sisters Mary Ramirez, Phyllis Rocha, and Theresa Jenkins; and son, Rene Martinez.
Due to current restrictions, only a private family service will be held.
Cruz was born in Kansas City, Kansas, where she spent most of her life. A devoted daughter and mother, in addition to raising her family, she lovingly cared for her parents as they aged. She later gave all of her time and devotion to her beloved grandchildren, whom she babysat, drove to all types of activities, and endlessly spoiled. She continued to drive every day until late 2018. Cruz’s love of family was equaled only by her deep faith, spending time each day in prayer. She had a sharp memory and wit. She was also an excellent cook without the need of any recipe, expert seamstress and crocheter, and an avid reader. Finally, she loved to collect salt & pepper shakers. Her collection was extensive with each set having a story.
Cruz’s family thanks the caring staff of Kansas City Hospice; Sisters, Servants of Mary; and Tanya Hernandez for their care, assistance, and support, which helped the family care for Cruz at home during her final months. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Kansas City Hospice or the Sisters, Servants of Mary in Kansas City.