GLORIA JEAN KAZMAIER
Gloria Jean (Votaw) Kazmaier, age 78, of Raymore, Missouri passed away peacefully on January 8, 2024, at Belton Regional Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.
Gloria was born October 28, 1945, to Everett and Margaret Votaw in Lawrence, Kansas. She grew up on the family farm south of Eudora, Kansas with her Quaker/Friends parents and two siblings. She is survived in the home by her husband of 57 years, Jerry of Raymore, Missouri, son Jeff Kazmaier (Shirlene) of Overland Park, Kansas, daughter Genda Hamm (Theron) of Olathe, Kansas, son Jim Kazmaier (Tara) of Windsor Locks, Connecticut, and son Jason Kazmaier (Emily) of Liberty, Missouri; her sister, Marilyn Wilson (Larry) and brother Alan Votaw (Delores), both of Eudora, Kansas, eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, along with numerous nephews and nieces. The entire Votaw family has left, and continues to leave, an indelible Christian legacy on these joined families, for which we are all indebted.
Gloria received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. With a few more hours in each, she could have minored in Bible and psychology. This was foundational in her life’s focus of tirelessly raising her four children. She made sure their homework was done, attended all their band concerts, football and basketball games, attended track meets, took them to piano practices, waited up for them when out at night, and made sure all of them were in Sunday school and church, usually the Sunday following their birth. She helped as a room mother as well.
Little did she know that God had orchestrated her choice of major for a future yet before her. Jerry and Gloria had played Mr. and Mrs. Clause in their third grade Christmas program, however, didn't date until both were juniors in college. Their first encounter was at the annual interdenominational tent meeting in Eudora. Gloria had said she never wanted to marry a farmer or a preacher. Well, she didn’t. Little did she know that her husband would be called into ministry almost 14 years later while God prepared them, in the meantime, both conventionally and many unconventional but very effective ways.
She served beautifully at his side teaching Sunday school, sometimes just to make sure her children would have a class. She played the piano for worship and sang duets, trios, quartets and had been in the traveling choir at Friends Bible College in Haviland, Kansas. If that wasn’t enough, she survived two church building programs in the two churches in which they served.
She was a detailed person at home and in the church. She would recognize a need and do it. She preferred to be in the background, however, when she did something, she did it with excellence. People knew her for her sweetness. Jesus’ love shined through her in all her relationships. Above all she loved to laugh and help others laugh. Rarely a family gathering would go by, large or small, where she wouldn’t have everyone in stitches. Her last words were to the hospice nurse when she came in to give her, her first shot of morphine. The nurse explained that she was going to give her something to help her be less anxious. Gloria replied in her then weak and whispered voice, “I didn’t know I was anxious.” and smiled. Then she entered a peaceful rest which she hadn’t experienced for years.
The family grieves, however, gives supreme glory to God for His personal and intimate relationship with them all individually and as a family. They don’t wish anybody to try to live without Him. They hope their friends gathered here, that don’t know Jesus, give that
some serious thought. He’s got His plan for you already mapped out since He made you, and from right now clear into eternity! A message from the Kazmaier family to yours, “Nothing this world has to offer can beat it.”
A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. -11 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Harrisonville Church of the Nazarene 2305 E South St., Harrisonville, Missouri 64701. Memorial services to follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. An Inurnment will take place at a late date at Hesper Friends Cemetery in Eudora, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hesper Friends Church 2355 N 1100 Rd, Eudora, KS 66025.
Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278
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