Lillian Marie Degener, 98, Parkville, Mo passed away Sunday, July 22, 2012 at the Garden Terrace at Overland Park. She was born November 6, 1913 in Kansas City, MO to Charles Frank and Lena (Sparr) Kratky. She graduated from Northeast High School in 1930.
Lillian was a longtime member of the Park Hill Christian Church where she served as Deacon. In 1970 she was awarded the Platte County Church Woman of the Year. She was Past President of the Church Women United of Platte County and of the University of Missouri Extension Division of Platte County. Lillian served on the Parkville City Council and was Past Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission in Parkville. In her earlier years she was very active with the Parkville area Chamber of commerce. Some of her other clubs and organizations include: Past President of the Old Parkville Cemetery, Parkville Fine Arts Association, Platte County Council P.T.A. and Graden Elementary P.T.A., where she served as President, Girl Scout Leader, Brownie Leader and Cub Scout Leader, Historical Society Leader, Women’s Republican Club of Platte County, Past President of the Mothers Club-Sigma Kappa Sorority at the University of Kansas, Advisory Board of the Park College Gazette Newspaper.
She married Arthur Donald Degener on September 11, 1949 at the Independence Boulevard Christian Church in Kansas City. He preceded her in death in 1994. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Charles Frank Kratley and Harold Robert Kratley; a sister, Helen Jean (Kratley) Heatherton.
Survivors include five children, Donna Lea Drinkard of Raytown, MO, Charlene Elizabeth Degener of Portland, OR, Arthur Donald Degener of Subic Bay, Philippines, Denise Anne Degener of Parkville, MO and Gregory Alexander Degener of Parkville, MO; two grandchildren, Kiera Degener O’Brien and Charles Arthur Degener.
Funeral services will be conducted 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at the Meyers Northland Chapel with Rev. Dale Walling of the Park Hill Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow at the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Parkville. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the Meyers Northland Chapel, 401 Main St. Parkville, MO 64152. Memories of Lillian and condolences may be left with the family at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com.
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