Mary Elizabeth Varner

Mary Elizabeth Varner, a beloved educator and cherished member of her community, passed away on November 10, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri after a brave fight against Parkinson's Disease. Born on December 1, 1948, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mary left an indelible mark on the lives she touched through her dedicated teaching career, loving family life, and deep commitment to her church and community.

Mary began her teaching career in 1971 in Farley, Missouri, where she taught first and second graders. Her journey in education led her to Sycamore Hills Elementary in the Independence School District in 1972. In 1979, after welcoming her son, she transitioned to part-time work as a Reading Specialist for Blue Hills Home Corporation, which allowed her to balance her passion for education with her devotion to her family. Upon returning to the Independence School District ten years later, she concluded her career as a second-grade teacher at Bryant Elementary School. Her exemplary work was recognized when she received the Teacher of the Year award for the Independence School District for the 2007-2008 school year. Mary was beloved by many, often receiving invitations to the high school graduations of her former students, a testament to the lasting impact she made. Her warmth and kindness resonated in the relationships she built, and she maintained lifelong friendships with her fellow educators even after retirement.

Education was not just a profession for Mary; it was a lifelong passion. She held a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Oklahoma and later earned a Master of Arts in Language and Literacy from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Throughout her life, Mary fostered a love of literature, becoming involved in several book clubs and sharing that passion with her family by passing on a deep love of literature to her daughters and granddaughters. Mary first met her husband, Michael, when they were just five years old growing up in Oklahoma, and their friendship began at the age of eight when his family began attending her father's church.

Michael claims his love for Mary began right away and they enjoyed an on and off again relationship throughout their youth. Their romance blossomed in their college years with Mary transferring to the University of Oklahoma to be close to him and they married shortly after graduation on June 18, 1971. They moved to Kansas City together soon after their marriage and quickly joined a loving and long lasting church community. Mary's dedication to her church life was profound. Growing up as the daughter of Reverend Harvey Albright, she was heavily involved in her church community, very active in her youth group and attended and acted as counselor at summer camps such as Camp Nunny-Cha-Ha and Falls Creek.

As soon as Michael and Mary joined their church in Kansas City, they began participating in small groups with other couples that cultivated loving, nurturing friendships that have endured for over fifty years. These friendships have been passed down to their children and grandchildren, creating a meaningful "family" that has persisted over several generations. Mary also contributed her teaching talents to the church, teaching Sunday School throughout the years and having a leadership role in children's education and programming at Crossroads Church in her later years, fostering many young lives along the way.

In addition to her many accomplishments, Mary enjoyed a wide array of hobbies and interests. Her love for theater was evident through her long-standing membership with season tickets to the KC Repertory Theater for over 35 years where she enjoyed the theater with her husband and friends. She relished weekly Taco Nights and New Year’s Eve celebrations with her neighbors of more than 30 years, forging bonds that exemplified her warm spirit. She enjoyed attending church camp every other summer in Estes Park, Colorado in which she loved to go on rigorous hikes and relaxing horseback rides. Mary had a passion for traveling and went on many trips with her young family along the East and West coast and in her retirement years enjoyed international travel on many fun trips with her husband, daughter Rebecca, and sister Angela.

Mary cherished the memories of evening family dinners and Sunday lunches, enjoying the times in which her family gathered together. Hosting holiday meals brought her joy, and she enjoyed creating holiday traditions with family and friends. She had immense pride in all of her grandchildren and she often hosted her older granddaughters for sleepovers in which tea parties, baking sweets, and playing school abounded leaving behind cherished memories. 

Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Michael Varner; her children, Zack Varner, Katie Keene and her husband Jason, and Rebecca Ward and her husband Patrick; her treasured grandchildren, Claire Polanco, Zoe Varner, Julia Varner, Cameron Keene, Cora Keene, and Amelia Ward; her sister, Angela Albright; along with brothers and sisters-in-law Ken Reiff, David and Becky Varner, Pat Shelton, Mary Bickerstaff, Steve and Kelly Varner; and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Harvey Albright and Lonella Albright.

A visitation will be held at Crossroads Church of Kansas City, located at 7917 Main St, KCMO 64114, on November 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Immediately followed by a Celebration of Life Service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. All are welcome to join the family in a lunch hosted by Crossroads Church in their fellowship hall following the service at 1:00 PM. The community is invited to honor Mary's life and the remarkable legacy she leaves behind. Mary Elizabeth Varner will be remembered for her kindness, unwavering love, gentle strength, and the countless lives she positively impacted throughout her journey.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Michael J.Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research