Helen Meyers Lovelady, known as “Tinker” to many, passed away on May 5th, 2017. Helen was born in Leavenworth, KS on April 19th, 1942 to Walter and Gwendolyn Meyers. The family relocated to St. Joseph Missouri where Helen graduated from Central High School class of 1960 and then attended Northwest MO, graduating in 1964.
Shortly after graduation, Helen began her 35 plus year teaching career to include over 30 years at St. Gabriel’s School where she was blessed to have both of her children as students. “Mrs. Lovelady”, as she was known at St. Gabriel’s, was sometimes feared, yet also deeply loved and impacted many lives. A former student stated, “Her unique consequences coupled with her stone dry humor was matched with the greatest and most sincere form of love.” Another former student added, “I don’t know if there is way to adequately describe through words the enormity of her impact on the world. I don’t know if there is skill enough to adequately convey this woman’s capacity for compassion.”
Not soon after into her teaching career she met her future husband, James R. Lovelady, a Kansas City Police Officer, who she would be married to for the next thirty-three years before his passing. Together they raised their two children, daughter Jamie and son Joel.
Mrs. Lovelady retired from teaching in 2006 to begin her career caring for her grandchildren, but her passion for teaching never subsided. In retirement Helen stayed active with St. Gabriel’s Alter Society, Widows on Wine, Surviving Spouses, Book club, and her family.
Helen is proceeded in death by both her parents, and her husband James Ralph Lovelady. Helen is survived by her baby brother Walter Meyers of Kansas City; daughter Jamie Dlugosh of Spring, TX; her son Joel Lovelady and his wife Marla Lovelady of Kansas City. Helen was also blessed with six grandchildren, Grace 16, Jack 14, Abby 12, James 11, Carsen 8 and Brody 8. Helen spent countless hours with her grandkids and they brought her tremendous joy.
Arrangements under the direction of McGilley Antioch Chapel, Kansas City, MO.
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