Anna Frances Guthrie

Anna Frances (Zimmerman) Guthrie, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, surrounded by her daughters. Anna was born August 18, 1937 in Kansas City, MO to Edward W. and Almira C. (Jacobson) Zimmerman.

Upon high school graduation in 1955, Anna was the recipient of a scholarship to Research Medical School of Nursing. While in nursing school, she was beloved to one particular patient who insisted his son meet “this cute young nurse who gives the best shots”. Over the next few months that tall young suiter would woo her by bringing her cokes on her lunch breaks.

Anna was united in marriage to Paul Michael (Mike) Guthrie on September 14, 1957 in Kansas City, MO.

Mike and Anna settled in Sugar Creek, MO in 1960, where they would help build and nurture a wonderful community of lifelong friendships while raising their 5 daughters. They were parishioners at St. Cyril’s Parish for 54 years.

Growing up as a member of Fairmount Christian Church, and marrying a Catholic, after 12 years Anna surprised Mike by joining the Catholic faith, having gone through all of the sacramental prep classes without Mike knowing (the only lies she’d ever tell him). Anna was devoted to her Catholic faith, serving as a lector and Eucharistic minister for many years. She and Mike were the lead marriage prep couple for many young engaged couples over the years. She participated in the Altar Society and many activities with the Knights of Columbus. She completed the diocese’s 3-year New Wine program and became very active in liturgy planning and church environment setup. She served on the Parish Council at Nativity of Mary parish and participated in many Bible and faith-based study groups. Anna was a recipient of Bronze Pelican Award from the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting for her contributions to the spiritual development of youth in Scouting, and the Bishop’s Recognition Award.

Anna lived for her family and community. She had many hobbies and activities over the years including water skiing, sewing, dollmaking, embroidery, catering, cake decorating, cooking, etc. She and Mike also shared a love of the outdoors and camping. Many of the youth in the community were included in family camping trips and activities.

Anna, most often with Mike, volunteered extensively in their community and for many years were active in the Sugar Creek Progress Committee. Civil Defense Activities, Slavic Festival, Girl Scout Leader, catering friends’ children’s weddings, sewing dance costumes, and later her grandchildren’s costumes for the Slavic festival Kolo Kids (many of those costumes still gracing the Slavic Fest to this day), marriage prep classes for many couples, etc., etc., etc. Anna, Mike and their family were honored as the Sugar Creek Family of the Year in 2003.

Later in life they started the tradition of taking their grandchildren out of town every New Year’s Eve, as well as summer camping trips. These traditions continued through to even their first great-grandchild who was lucky enough to experience many of the same. Mike and Anna were very involved in their children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s lives; attending every dance recital, football, soccer, basketball, softball, baseball game, graduation, musicals, plays, choir concerts, etc.

She loved cooking almost as much as she loved a house full of people. And it wasn’t just people that reaped the rewards of her labors; as all of her grand-dogs and great-grand-dogs were equally spoiled (even getting invited on camping trips with grandma and grandpa from time to time). Anna loved to spoil her loved ones, and the most coveted gifts at Christmastime were ones that she had cooked. She’d upset the whole white elephant “balance” by bringing a container of her homemade chicken and dumplings or the Kenney’s cinnamon rolls. And every dog in the family would get a new toy from Grandma or homemade dog treats with their name on them.

Anna had a unique way of pronouncing some words that would come to be lovingly referenced by her family as “Anna-bonics".

Anna spent her entire professional career as a nurse, beginning as a hospital and emergency room nurse, then moving to occupational health and insurance case management. She also spent time as a Girl Scout camp nurse. After her retirement, Anna enjoyed volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital in Blue Springs. She maintained her nursing license until just a few years ago.

Mike and Anna moved to Blue Springs in 2014 to be closer to family. After the passing of the love of her life, after 60 years of marriage, Anna moved to Princeton Senior Living in Lee’s Summit, MO, where she enjoyed making new friends and attending many of the events there.

Anna is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Hein of Lone Jack, MO, Debbie Nichols (Tubb) of Lake Lotawana, MO, Karen Morris (Randy) of Blue Springs, MO, Denise Guthrie (Mike Stewart) of Kansas City, MO; brothers, Mike Zimmerman (Sherry) of Blue Springs, Pat Zimmerman (Diana) of Lee’s Summit; grandchildren, Brianna Moore (Mike), Kyle Morris (Dilon), Jaclyn Morris (Ryan Felling), Logan Hein (Katie), Tyler Hein; 8 great-grandchildren, Maxwell Bradshaw, Harper Moore, Weston Moore, Valencia Morris, Felix Felling, Perry Felling, Kensley Hein, Landon Hein; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Pete Zimmerman; daughter, Kathy Kuzila; son-in-law, Darrell Hein; and her husband, Mike Guthrie.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to: Darrell Hein Memorial Eagle Scout Project Fund c/o Truman Heartland Community Foundation, 4200 Little Blue Parkway, Suite 340, Independence MO 64057 or donate online at https://thcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate

Or

Unbound PO Box 219114, Kansas City MO 64121 (Note: In memory of Anna Guthrie for services to the elderly)

Online condolences may be made to www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)