Gloria L. Kniffen, 63, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2022 at her home in Blue Springs, MO, with her family by her side. She was born April 8, 1959 in Sedalia, MO, the daughter of Raymond and Betty (Taylor) Rodick.
Gloria graduated from Shawnee-Mission South High School and received her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and later her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, MO. While at Central Missouri State University she was active in Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority where she held many offices as well as being active in Criminal Justice groups. She had served as a Legal Analyst for Sprint for 33 ½ years. Gloria was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs and was active in both Vesper Voices and Gospel Singers. She could be also found serving as a volunteer in several capacities as well as involved with the Church’s Cancer Support Group and Crafting Group. Within the community, she enjoyed playing Bunco with friends, doing crafts, and quilting and was in the Block of the Month group at Hunters Quilt Mart and a member the V.F.W. #6603 Ladies Auxiliary, Blue Springs, MO. Gloria was also an avid Chief’s fan, following every game, and hosting with her husband, over 20 annual Super Bowl parties with a packed house every time. Most of all, she cherished being with her family, especially her grandchildren as they entered into her life. She loved them deeply, treasuring each visit, experience, and event as only she could.
Gloria was the beloved wife of Martin Kniffen, married on October 12, 1985, in Mission, KS. Survivors include her husband, Martin Kniffen, Blue Springs, MO, her daughters, Brenda Mutert and husband Sean, Nixa, MO, Jeanette Kesler and husband Chris, Holden, MO, her “chosen” daughter, Lindsey Cernech and husband Kevin, Blue Springs, MO, three sisters, Cheri Kenney and husband Jim, Overland Park, KS, Marilynn Hemenway and husband Rick, Overland Park, KS, and Pamela Landau, Overland Park, KS, as well as four grandchildren, Brody, Allison, Carter, and Maelie and her numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Cremation is planned and a visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 28, 2022, all at First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs, 301 SW Woods Chapel Rd., Blue Springs, MO 64015. Inurnment will take place at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, MO on Friday April 29, 2022. Gloria requested that people wear sports gear such as jerseys, shirt, etc. of your favorite sports team. She also requested that anyone who she had made a quilt for please bring it, “sew” her warmth and love can fill the room. Memorial contributions in Gloria’s name are suggested to First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs. Memories of Gloria and words of comfort for her family may be shared at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Our prayers our with Marty and his family. The strength and grace of Gloria and Marty is in inspirational. Gloria is in paradise. She was such a positive person and it was my honor to call her friend.
My deepest sympathy to Marty & the entire family. Gloria was my dental patient & I’ve know her many years. She was strong & had a deep love for her family. She is gone from us too soon but her lovely spirit Iives on & we will never forget her.
Good memories of Gloria at the Super Bowl parties and visiting on other occasions.
To Marty, her daughters, grandchildren, the Rodick family and her many friends, we are thinking about you all during this difficult time.
Gloria was our childhood friend who always had the sweetest smile and a heart full of kindness. I’m so glad we re-connected a few years ago. It makes me smile when I think of her being with her mom, dad, and our mom, too. She will live forever in our hearts.
Rosie and Bob
Gone too soon, our sweet Gloria. Our prayers are with Many and the family at this most difficult time. We were so happy that Gloria and Marty always made a point to see us when they were in Florida. They are both a wonderful inspiration to us all.
I am so sorry !
Gloria was such a great mother .
Jeanette you are a precious daughter !
Your Mom raised you so well.
Praying for comfort and peace.
Many prayers and thoughts to Gloria’s family. She is an amazing lady and will be missed by everyone she connected with over her lifetime.
Marty, Brenda, Jeanette, Lindsey and family… my deepest condolences to you. Gloria was a ray of sunshine and a voice of reason. Many wonderful neighborhood memories with you will live on forever. Much love and many hugs, Angie
Marty-So sorry to hear about Gloria. I remember you were always talking about her and the kids I visited your house one time many years ago just after Christmas. Wrapping paper from unwrapped gifts from floor to ceiling.
Take care my old friend. I can only imagine how you and Gloria enjoyed watching Patrick Mahomes and the Chief.
Gloria and I became quick friends when she first came to work with me at SERC therapy back in 2016. Her sense of humor, humility and determination have always been an inspiration for me and for other patients. Gloria truly fought the good fight. While my heart is broken that I will never see her again, I am so grateful for our years of working together. We had a wonderful conversation a few weeks ago and that was such a blessing. I pray that Marty and her girls find comfort in knowing that Gloria touched the hearts of all she met. Rest in peace, Gloria, you deserve it!
So sorry for the loss of a brave, beautiful and loving woman. Know she has left a huge gap in the family. Marty, special hugs for you as you adjust to life without her.
I am oh so sorry to read this. I had not seen Gloria for many years but we were in touch via Facebook. I know you will miss her terribly. Gentle hugs to you and all the family.
Marty, Brenda, Jeanette, Gloria’s Grandchildren and Gloria’s whole family: My Thoughts, Prayers and Love are with you during this difficult time. I am so grateful to have known my cousin Gloria and her sweet, sustaining spirit. May this celebration of Gloria’s Life be filled with love and happiness for Gloria and her time here o Earth.
Dear Marty,
I worked with Gloria for 13 years at Sprint. It was my privilege to know her. When I re-married in 2015, Gloria made us a beautiful quilt which hangs in our bedroom.
I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Elizabeth Fohrman Zorowitz
To Gloria’s family — May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time. I worked with Gloria at Sprint for many years as we tackled HR pension and Legal issues. She was always easy to work with, talk to, and be around and I know you will miss her terribly. I am so sorry for your loss.
Linda Wallace
What a lovely and courageous lady Gloria was. She always had a warm smile for everyone. Praying comfort and strength for Marty and whole family.
Marty,
May you and the family be comforted by the many memories that you created as a family. Gloria was a wonderful human being whose kindness and grace made the world a better place. I am grateful to have been the beneficiary of her kindness and grace.
As requested I wore my favorite STL Cardinals shirt today. Sending hugs to you and the family .
As I see Jeanette can imagine her mom is the best kind sweet and beautiful women in the planet. I will be missing you for ever. Heartily missed you. Hope fully you will be around to bless and empower this planner in some ways.
Marty, I am so sorry. As students in Warrensburg, you and Gloria were always so fun to be around. I remember she always had a smile and a positive word. We will see her again.