Wilma E Mentesana

Wilma was born in Richmond, Missouri to Noah “Floyd” and Mattie Manley. Her family later moved to Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Glennon High School in 1955. As a young woman, Wilma was a dancer and a singer. She performed on the Starlight stage in Starlight’s early seasons. She met Phil Mentesana; married and started a family. Wilma dedicated her life to her children. She was in the stands at football games, baseball games, wrestling matches, scouting events, and choir and band concerts. She was always cheering on her kids and their friends.

After 22 years of marriage, they divorced, Wilma started working at Allstate Insurance Company where she worked for 23 years. Here she discovered new talents and put her organization and dedication to new use. She made many great friends while working at Allstate. She found some traveling friends and found joy in her trips. These friends continued to visit her after she retired. She worked hard modeling a balance of strong work ethic and taking care of her family.

Wilma was passionate about her faith. Born and raised Catholic, she modeled a prayerful life. She had a servant’s heart. Every year during the holidays, she would cook an extra meal and donate to a family in need. She supported the local food pantries and volunteered at The Little Sisters of the Poor. She served as a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Lourdes in Raytown, Missouri. She also taught in the Faith Formation Program. Wilma prayed the rosary every single night, went to daily mass after retiring and was on the Ladies Altar and Rosary Committee at church. She provided many meals for parish families after funeral services. When she said she was praying for you, you knew you were in good hands!

Wilma would say that her biggest accomplishment in life are her children and their families. She wasn’t just a good mother; she was a great mom! And not just to her four kids, she was known as mom to all of their friends as well! She is survived by her son Sam, his wife Debby, and their sons Anthony and Nick (Meghan). She is survived by her son Mike (Robbin predeceased) and their sons Aaron and Saige. She is survived by her son Chris, his wife Darla, and their four children Nadia, Cara (Tony), Noah (Victoria), and Nathan. She is survived by her daughter Mary, her husband Tim, and their children Megan (Seth) and Joey. Her family will tell her six great grandchildren, as well as future great grandchildren, all the wonderful stories about Grandma, Nana, and Gaga…all names for the beautiful heart of Wilma. Wilma was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers (Charles, Floyd, and Harry).

To her children, she leaves her wonderful recipes for good home cooking to be served around a family table. She leaves her love of a good book and taking time to discuss the story. She leaves her collection of angels to remind us that our angels are always watching over us. She leaves her kind heart, the importance of forgiveness, and a mother’s love that will carry them through their days.

Services for friends and family will be held Friday, November 10 at St. Patrick’s Parish, 1357 NE 42nd Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64116., The Rosary will begin at 8:45 AM, with Visitation at 9:00 AM, and followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Mount St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2201 Cleveland Kansas City, MO 64127.