Patrica Ann Van Bibber
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Patrica Ann Van Bibber, 69, of Raytown, Missouri passed away April 5, 2025 at Truman Medical Center, Kansas City, MO from a heart attack. Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 2:00pm-4:00pm at, Peace Lutheran Church 8240 Blue Ridge Blvd. KCMO 64138.
Patricia, or Trish, as family and friends called her, was born July 13th, 1955 in Cincinnati, Ohio to her parents Robert R. Bauroth & Bette (Somers) Bauroth.
She was preceded in death by her parents and maternal grandmother, Edith Somers.
She is survived by her husband, Walter Van Bibber of the home, children Chad (39) and his children Kiley Van Bibber (15) Blue Springs, Mo., Kellen Van Bibber (13) Independence, Mo, and Kendal Van Bibber (9) Webb City, Mo and daughter Somer (37) of Raytown, brother Tom and niece Amera (11) of Raytown, stepdaughter Reba Cole and Son, Tucker (11), Summerville SC and stepson, James (Jim) Van Bibber, Hollister, Mo,
cousins, Nan Bauroth Charlotte, NC, Robert Bauroth Phoenix, Az, Octavia Eisen Charlotte NC, and Linda Keown Colombia, Mo.
Trish graduated from Bristol Senior High School, Bristol, PA in 1973. She entered the University of Missouri at Columbia August 1973, to become a Physical Education Teacher, graduating with Honors.
Trish began her 46 year career in education in the fall of 1977 at Cuba, Mo. as a Physical Education Teacher and girls basketball, softball and volleyball coach for four years.
Upon receipt of her Special Education Certificate, she was a Special Education Teacher at Success Missouri and Dent Phelps until Fall 1986.
She was married in 1982 to Walter Van Bibber and had two children; son Chad and daughter Somer.
Trish started teaching in Kansas City in the Fall of 1986 at Marlborough Elementary School. While teaching Special Education, Trish earned her Masters Degree from UMKC in Guidance and Counseling.
Trish also served as an Elementary Guidance Counselor in the Center School District for 11 years until returning to the Kansas City School District as a Guidance Counselor until her retirement in 2023.
Trish enjoyed reading, gardening, sports and watching her grandchildren participate in athletics. She was an ardent supporter of all their endeavors on and off the field and pursued their education.
Trish found her greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life – sunshine, the sound of waves, and the laughter of her grandchildren. Whether with a good book in hand or simply soaking in the sun, she was most at peace by the shore, watching her grandchildren play and dreaming of one day calling the beach her forever home.
Her warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength touched everyone she met. She leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished memories, and sandy footprints in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be missed more than words can say.
In lieu of flowers donations to: American Heart Association, American Diabetes Foundation or KC Pet Project.
God Bless Her Always.
Trisha was my cousin and always such a loving, caring, vivacious woman. I remember her best when she was a girl and loved sports so much. I am so sorry I cannot be there for the celebration of her life due to health issues, but I be thinking and praying that the Lord will comfort all of you in her passing.
I am saddened to learn of the death of my cousin. I hope her family will find comfort knowing that there were many of us who loved her and will miss her. Through her professional endeavors, I know she enriched the hearts and minds of many young people and they will carry her legacy throughout their lives.
Trish was a wonderful friend and colleague. She had a caring, supportive heart for all her students. Her humor and joy will be missed.
Thinking of this family!!
Known Walter since grade school!!
God Bless
Trish, you truly left us too soon! But glad you are free of all your encumbrances that wouldn’t allow you to run and play sports anymore. Rest easy, old friend!
I can’t begin to say enough about Trish. I have so many precious memories of her and Walt. She would let me come stay with them during the summer… she was so amazing. I loved her dearly and she will be greatly missed.
I truly owe my sanity during my years of teaching to Trish. Her door was always open and she listened with all her heart. You are missed.
Trish was the best auntie I could ever ask for I miss her very much Trish. I wish I could say I love her one last time she was super kind and nice and awesome I love u Trish.
Trish was my mentor when I came to KCPS in 1990. Beside helping me adjust to an urban setting, she helped me start a conflict mediation at Central Middle School. She was our leader, As president of KCGA, (Kansas City Guidance Association) she and others before her and since taught us the importance of counselors and joining together to improve our program, to implement the Guidance Program at the middle and elementary level and to get the Administrators to recognize what our role as counselors was. Trish valued on going training and taught us to value the state Association (MSCA) and conferences. Even as KCGA ceased to exist, she was part of the Greater Kansas City Counselors Association. I appreciate her even now because she made me a better colleague.
So very sorry for your loss. Cathy Chesnut Rucke
We are so sorry for your loss.
My family and I wanted to extend our condolences to the Van Bibber family during this difficult time. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
May cherished memories bring you comfort.
With Love,
D’era Taylor and Family
A wonderful person. She so cared about children and dedicated her life to helping them in every aspect of getting a good education and leading a good life. Gone way too soon.
Trish was