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1926 Shirley 2018

Shirley L. Blansit

December 21, 1926 — February 14, 2018

Shirley L. Blansit, a long-time Kansas City, KS resident, passed away peacefully on February 14.
Shirley was born December 21, 1926 in Mining Camp #9 in Crawford County, KS to Frank and Bertha Grilz. Shirley was the fifth of seven children born to the couple. Her childhood memories were of hard-working parents who did their best to provide the essentials for their family, and lots of love among the siblings. Shirley moved to Kansas City shortly after graduating from Frontenac High School and worked as a billing clerk for Mauer-Neuer and later Wilson Foods, where she met and later married her husband, Cleo J. Blansit, in 1950.
A few years later, Shirley and Cleo welcomed their daughter, Janice, and 6 years after that, they welcomed their son, Jeffrey. Shirley was a devoted mother, spending significant time with her children, playing with them, teaching them to read, and helping them discover the world and how to make it a better place. She was active in PTA leadership, and mustered the courage to address the Board of Education when she felt their leadership faltered.
Shirley and Cleo both loved to bowl and participated in several leagues through the mid-1960s. At that point, Shirleys new interest in cake decorating as a hobby turned into a full time business that she operated from her home for 38 years. During those years, she made thousands of birthday cakes, wedding cakes and cakes for all occasions, including a cake taken to Washington, D.C. for then-President Regan.
Shirley was a member of Chelsea Baptist Church for many years, and when Chelsea merged with Victory Hills Baptist Church, she continued for many years in active leadership as a Sunday School teacher, church treasurer and choir member. Many Palm Sunday were marked by her singing The Palms. She was a woman of devout faith that sustained her through health challenges of her husband, her family and herself.
Her devotion to her family continued through her final days. She was especially proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandsons, and delighted in visits with extended family. She remained active in the communities in which she lived, often advocating for other residents unable to advocate for themselves. Despite severe macular degeneration, Shirley found joy in reading large-print books in her final months.
She was proceeded in death by Cleo, her husband of 50 years; parents Frank Grilz, Sr. and Bertha Grilz; brothers Willard, Orville, Ben and Bob Grilz, all of Frontenac, KS, and sister, Irene Grilz, of Kansas City, KS. She leaves her brother, Frank Grilz, Jr. (Barbara) and sister-in-law Betty Grilz of Frontenac; daughter Janice Blansit (Terry Kolich) of Overland Park; son Jeff Blansit (Melinda) of Edwardsville; grandsons Jeff Kolich, Nicholas Blansit, Jason Kolich and William Blansit; and two great grandchildren, Eliza and Tanner. To all of them, she was a devoted and loving sister, sister-in-law, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will also be sadly missed by numerous nieces and nephews, whom she adored.
The family extends their sincere appreciation to the many providers who selflessly cared for Shirley, especially during the past several years. Their ministry of service and friendship touched our hearts.
A visitation will be held at Muehlebach Chapel, 6800 Troost, KCMo, from 2-4 pm Sunday, February 18; a second visitation will be held from 10-11 am Monday, February 19 at Victory Hills Baptist Church, 2010 North 66th Terrace, KCK, with a memorial service at 11 am. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Johnson County Library Foundation, PO Box 2933, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201 in memory of Shirley Blansit for purchase of large-print books.
Visitation Muehlebach Funeral Care

Sunday, February 18, 2018

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

6800 Troost AvenueKansas City, Missouri 64131
Directions Visitation Victory Hills Baptist Church

Monday, February 19, 2018

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

2010 North 66th TerraceKansas City, Kansas 66104
Directions Memorial Service Victory Hills Baptist Church

Monday, February 19, 2018

11:00 AM

2010 North 66th TerraceKansas City, Kansas 66104
Directions

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