Blanche Peak

Blanche Sybil Peak, 97, of Columbia, Missouri died Sunday, March 4, 2007 at The Court of Overland Park. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 2:00PM at the Country Club Christian Church Chapel, 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri. Friends are invited to attend a gathering of remembrance prior to the service at 1:00PM. Blanche was born in Cannington, Ontario, Canada on January 5, 1910 to John and Cora Payne, the only girl of six children. She attended Central High School, then Kansas City Junior College where she received education in business that prepared her for several secretarial positions during her working years. She was a leader in both local and state women’s organizations, most notably the King’s Daughters. In addition to needlework, sewing and gardening, Blanche will be remembered for her talent as a skilled pianist. She taught piano lessons, accompanied others and entertained with piano music throughout her life. There was rarely a Sunday morning when she was not at the piano or organ providing accompaniment for a choir, special music or congregational hymns. Perhaps the greatest legacy Blanche leaves is her staunch faith in God and her history of serving others through her church, both as a pastor’s wife and lay leader. Many men, women and children have been impacted by her diligent study of the Bible and her commitment to teaching others in Sunday School classes and church circles. She is preceded in death by James Gordon Kingsley, Sr., he husband of 29 years and by George W. Peak to whom she was married for 33 years until his death in 2000. She is also preceded in death by her parents and four brothers. She is survived by one brother, John A. Payne and his wife, Genevieve and by a sister-in-law, Verna Payne. Survivors also include two sons and their spouses, Dr. Gordon Kingsley and Suzanne of Grantham, United Kingdom and Dr. John Kingsley and Janet of Birmingham, Alabama; two daughters and their spouses, Sheryl Kramer and Robert of Alton, Illinois and Marilyn Stearns and Brent of Raytown, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Blanche’s family wishes to express their deepest appreciation and thanks to the staff of The Court at Overland Park. Their tender and expectional care allowed her to live with grace and dignity during her difficult struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, Heart of America Chapter, in support of the Memories in the Making Art Program. Contributions in honor of Blanche can be mailed to Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Raytown, Missouri 64133 (816) 313-1677.