Mary Jean Lionberger

Mary "Jean" Lionberger Mary "Jean" Proudfit Lionberger, age 88, of Overland Park, Kansas, died peacefully at home surrounded by dear friends and family on March 20, 2016. After enjoying bingo and playing cards with friends on Friday evening, Mary Jean laid down to rest and less than twenty-three hours later slipped away from her mortal life. Jean was born June 5, 1927, in Brookfield, Missouri. She married Lyle Jarvis Lionberger of Chillicothe, Missouri, on July 5, 1946. He was in the United States Air Force, and together they traveled the world until his retirement in 1970, where they made their final home in Chillicothe, Missouri. They were married 34 years before his death in 1980. Her greatest attributes were her selflessness and absolute love of life and her family. They had four children who are left to celebrate her life. They are Lyle Jene Lionberger and wife Michelle of Temple, Texas; daughter Mary Lionberger Kieffer and husband Bob of Chillicothe, Missouri; Judy Lionberger Knight of Mesquite, Texas, and Pamela Lionberger Savage and husband Andy of Overland Park, Kansas. She is also survived by her dear friend and sister-in-law, Shirley Proudfit Stephens of Lebanon, Missouri, and best buddy Bill Dean of Overland Park, Kansas. Jean was blessed with several nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. She was exceptionally proud to be a grandmother to ten grandchildren, Lavina Lionberger Dusenbery of Overland Park, Kansas, Jeremy Savage of Overland Park, Kansas, Megan Savage-Reser of Denver, Colorado, Luke Savage of Overland Park, Kansas, Robert Knight of Mesquite, Texas, Daniel Burres of Austin, Texas, Carly Beth Burres of Richardson, Texas, and Jami-Kenzie Lionberger of Temple, Texas, Robert Kieffer and wife Michelle of Chillicothe, Missouri, and Jason Kieffer and wife Kim of Chillicothe, Missouri; and great grandmother to twelve, Hailey Briones of Overland Park, Kansas, Savannah Savage, Ellie Savage, Andrew Savage, and Scarlett Savage all of Overland Park, Kansas, Reegan Knight of Mesquite, Texas, Amber Ballard, Alicia Kieffer, Bridgett Kieffer, Kennedie Kieffer, Delanie Kieffer and Evie Kieffer all of Chillicothe, Missouri; and two great-great grandchildren, Avery and Myla Ballard of Chillicothe, Missouri. Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Jarvis Lionberger; her father, Alva Bernard Proudfit; mother, Bertha Marie McClintick Proudfit-Bagley; and three brothers, Volney Russell Bagley, Orien Devon Bagley and Lavon Francis Proudfit. Also preceding her in death was her beloved dog, Rowdy Texas Knight. The family is forever grateful to Keisha and Allison from Continua Hospice that helped Jean in those last few hours, as well as the staff and caregivers of Vintage Park of Stanley Assisted Living, Overland Park, Kansas. Funeral services will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, March 24, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. A scheduled family visitation will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, March 24, 2016, one hour prior to the service from 12 noon until 1:00 p.m. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, from 12 noon until 8:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Chillicothe, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Continua Hospice and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe Missouri.