Leah Renee Hurst

Born February 12, 1952, Leah was the fourth daughter of Wilbur and Peggy (Zillner) Hurst. Her early life was spent in Kansas City, KS where she attended Saint Peter's Cathedral Grade School and Bishop Ward High School.

While attending the University of Kansas, Leah belonged to Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree and her MBA .Throughout her life, Leah always set her standards high as was evident when she was working on her MBA. In 1975, she was one of only 10 women in a class of 100 MBA candidates at the University of Kansas. Today, women make up 35% of KU‘s MBA students. Leah was an import forerunner for these women.

Upon graduation, Leah began a career in sales with IBM where she worked for over 30 years. Her career took her to Topeka, KS, St. Louis, MO, Greenwich, CT, White Plains, NY, and then back to Kansas City. She settled into a unique Spanish style home which she enjoyed decorating in her favorite art deco style and appointed it with special furniture and decorative accessories. It was here that Leah enjoyed entertaining and spending time with her beloved dogs. Throughout Leah's life, she traveled through Europe and the United States. Her favorite place to visit was Amsterdam. Leah's employment continued with IBM until she was disabled because of multiple sclerosis.

She was dedicated to visiting her dad and stepmother in their declining years, and on her way home stopped for daily Mass at Saint Agnes Catholic Church.

Leah had a special relationship with each of her four sisters. She was always interested in hearing about all her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She had lifelong friends from childhood and met with them for fun social outings. She loved her family, her friends, and her church with all her heart.

Leah is survived by her four sisters: Peggy Flora of Prairie Village, KS, Claudia Schlegel (Bill) of Colorado Springs, CO, Rebecca Pruett (Jim) of Kansas City, MO, Cynthia Oliver (Clay) of Mount Dora, FL. She is also survived by her eight nieces and nephews: Phillip Flora, Kelley Flora, Stephen Schlegel, Chrissy Schlegel, Jennifer Sharp, Rachel Carlson, Andrew Oliver, Matthew Oliver and numerous great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her life partner, Mark Ashmore, her parents and many additional beloved family and friends.

Leah had endless energy. She was competitive, committed, hard-working and focused on whatever project she was doing. She liked to win and be successful in everything she did, in every aspect of her life; whether it was work, or sport. Leah wanted to live life to the fullest, no matter how hard or difficult the circumstances, even while ill. She had that "Leah" sense of humor until her death.

Memorial Mass will be held Friday, February 9 at 11:30 am at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS.

Donations may be made in Leah's memory to the MS Society, PO Box 88540, Carol Stream, IL 60188; Bishop Ward High School, 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, KS 66102; or Ascend Hospice, 4550 W. 109th St., Suite 210, Overland Park, KS 66211.

Leah's family wishes to thank the staff of Claridge Court for their love, care and friendship over the past few years. Her family is especially grateful to all of Leah's friends who supported her with love during her years living with MS. We will miss you, Leah.