Ina Lauretta Bledsoe

Ina Lauretta Bledsoe, born on December 7, 1927, in Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully at Hospice House on December 12, 2024, in Olathe, Kansas, at the age of 97. A cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, she leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and faith.

 Ina spent her early years working as a long lines information operator for the phone company in the late 1940s. As her children were growing, she contributed to the workforce as an industrial production worker in the early 1950s and later nurtured young students as a public-school cook in the 1960s. She retired with pride from ARA Food Corporation, having served as a respected kitchen manager.

 A devoted member of the Community of Christ Church and the Lenexa Fire Department Women's Auxiliary, Ina played an active role in supporting her community, especially while her husband Bill volunteered as a firefighter. Raising five children was one of her greatest accomplishments and deepest joys.

 Ina's life was rich with interests that brought joy to her family and friends. She enjoyed playing cards and table games, often sharing her love for these activities at monthly gatherings with her social club during the 1960s and 70s. These gatherings were particularly memorable for her children, who relished the rare treat of soda pop. Ina and her beloved husband Bill also participated in a mixed bowling league, creating cherished family traditions around bowling nights that featured homemade hamburgers and French fries.

 Ina’s final months were brightened by the love and community she found at Evergreen Community Senior Care. Ina cherished her time there and especially looked forward to BINGO games. One of her greatest joys was the small but thoughtful act of the staff knowing her coffee order and bringing her favorite coffee with cocoa. Her family is grateful for the love, care, and compassion shown to her at Evergreen that brought such joy and meaning to her life during her time there.

 Ina is survived by her siblings Nada Jensen, Billy Mark, Doris Dean, Nancy Bruffet, and Deborah (Dave) Newman, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Her legacy continues through her children: Lauretta (Don) Hlebichuk, Geneva Rush, David (Vicki) Bledsoe, Victor (Colleen) Bledsoe, and Warren (Stacey) Bledsoe. She was blessed with 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom held a special place in her heart. She is reunited in heaven with her loving parents, Walter and Marie Shields; her brother, Walter Shields Jr., and two sisters, Janice Frydendall and Florence Davis; her devoted husband of 76 years, Bill; her son-in-law Rodney Rush; and two precious grandsons, Lynn and Matthew. 

 A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 12:00-3:00 pm at the Community of Christ Church, 15520 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice House (Olathe) or Evergreen Community (Olathe), whose compassionate care supported Ina and her family in her final days.

 Ina Lauretta Bledsoe will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her sense of humor and zest for life, and the warmth she brought to all whose lives she touched.

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