Born on March 26, 1941, in Kansas City Missouri, Patricia was the cherished daughter of George Emmett Bowers and Zada Vera Wilkerson-Bowers, whom she deeply admired. Some of Patricia’s fondest childhood memories included walking hand-in-hand with her parents to church on 24th and Kensington each Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening, from their home on 22nd and Oakley. She also treasured bird hunting and attending dog shows with her father. From an early age, Patricia aspired to embody the character, compassion, and values she saw in her parents.
After graduating from high school in 1959, Patricia pursued her education at Avila College and Johnson County Community College, where she earned her Associate in Claims certificate. Her passion for learning and dedication to her career were evident throughout her life.
Through her first marriage to Paul Edward Franson, Patricia was blessed with two children, Eric Dale Franson and Katherine Jordan Maricle, who, along with her cherished grandchildren Megan and David Maricle, survive her. Later, on June 3, 1985, Patricia married Homer Weaver in Raytown, Missouri. Together, they shared 22 loving years of marriage until Homer’s passing on October 6, 2007.
Patricia’s career was a testament to her adaptability, dedication, and excellence. She began as a unit secretary and Operating Room Technician at Research Hospital, laying a foundation of care and commitment. Later, at JC Nichols Company, Patricia managed office operations and supported regional housing initiatives, even assisting in legislative updates for Johnson County.
At Kansas City Power & Light, she held roles in security, claims, and the law department, eventually becoming head of Workers’ Compensation. Patricia later joined Kemper Insurance as a Workers’ Compensation Representative, covering three states, where her expertise in fraud investigation earned her national recognition as the top investigator in the country.
In her later years at SERC Physical Therapy, Patricia handled clinic openings, credentialing, and compliance as HIPAA officer, remaining dedicated to excellence in all aspects of her work.
Patricia’s love for animals was one of her life’s great passions. She devoted countless hours to training and showing dogs in various disciplines, including obedience, agility, and confirmation. Her dogs won numerous first-place awards in hunting, obedience, agility, breed, and tracking trials. She also found immense joy in training her golden retriever to participate in the National Read Dog program, helping children develop reading skills. Patricia’s compassion extended to Pets for Life, where she trained therapy dogs that brought comfort to nursing home residents.
While church attendance and faith in God were not as important to Patricia early in life, participation in the body of Christ and looking to Jesus as her Lord and Savior became a vital part later in life, following the example set by her parents. She regularly attended services on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings at First Baptist Church of Raytown, where she developed a special ministry of befriending children with special needs, including those with Down Syndrome. She found meaningful roles for them as greeters, helping them contribute to the church's overall mission. Patricia’s spiritual life was enriched by the teaching of various pastors and mentors, including the writings and radio ministry of Dr. David Jeremiah, whom she listened to faithfully.
Her faith didn’t just go as far as church attendance, but also in repenting of sins in her life – including the sin of anxiety, and reconciling broken relationships in her life. Patricia understood that though she was a great sinner, she served a mighty savior.
Later in life, at South Haven Baptist Church, Patricia cherished Sunday school classes, deepening her understanding of how the Scriptures speak to everyday life. She was invigorated by studying the Jewish background of the Bible, as well as exploring end-times prophecy, both of which fueled her passion for going deep into Scripture. Patricia’s desire for others to know the Lord Jesus was evident through her volunteer work at Billy Graham Crusades and her invitations for others to join her at church.
Known for her endurance, persistence, love of animals, dedication to her Lord and Savior, and devotion to her grandchildren, Patricia’s life left an impact on everyone she met. Her perseverance and strength touched the lives of many, including many compassionate nurses and staff at Foxwood Springs Adult Living Center.
Patricia will be dearly missed by her family, friends, church community, and all who were blessed to know her.
There will be a graveside service at the Lee’s Summit Historic Cemetery at 10am on Saturday, November 23rd. Following the graveside service, a reception will be held at Summit Woods Baptist Church.
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