Merleen Cornell

Merleen Cornell of Kansas City, MO, passed away of Monday, February 16, 2009 one day after her 86th birthday. Merleen was born in North Platte, NE in 1923. She attended Iowa University where she met and married Kenn Cornell. After raising her three children, Merleen enjoyed several jobs; Seneca Prescription Shop in Wichita, Altman’s Department Store in New York, Missouri Department of Revenue in Independence, and Unity Village in Lee’s Summit. Merleen had a wonderful sense of humor. She said of herself, “I’ve never made a hole in one, but I’ve shown skill when working many jigsaw puzzles.” She also never met a crossword puzzle that she didn’t love. She lived by many adages such as, “When in doubt, EAT” and “Free is best.” She is preceded in death by her parents, Merwin and Ruth Leffler and her husband who passed away in June of 2000. Survivors include; three children, Kenny Cornell of Troy, MO, Lynn Cornell of Lee’s Summit, MO and Beth Pickard of Tulsa, OK; her sister, Shirlee Sullivan of Seattle, WA; sister in law and brother in law, Sue and Bob Gustus of Galesburg, IL; 2 grandchildren, Jennifer Conner of Troy, MO and Nathan Cornell of Independence, MO; 4 great grandchildren, Maxwell and Lauren Conner and Blake and Ashlyn Cornell. Many heartfelt thanks go out to Crossroads Hospice for their wonderful care and attention. Cremation is planned with private family services to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Raytown Meals On Wheels 7311 Maple Dr. Raytown, MO 64133.