MARIE ANNETTE HELLYER

Marie Annette "Mitzi" Hellyer met her Savior, Jesus, face to face on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at home. Just days before her death, Mitzi spoke a word of blessing and thanksgiving to each of the grandchildren who were present—including her yet-to-be-born great-grandson, Hollis Wayne. Her final words to all of us reflected the gratitude that shaped her entire life. In a clear voice she said, "Thank you, everybody!" She was grateful to the end—grateful to her Lord and Savior, Jesus, to her family, and to all who cared for her.

Mitzi was born in Gary, IN, on March 13, 1944, to Rev. William and Dorothy (Ahlbrand) Schepman. As a pastor's child, she moved with her family to the various congregations her father served. One of her favorite places to remember was Los Angeles, where her father was the founding pastor of a mission plant, Hope Lutheran Church. Her high school years were spent in Huntington, IN, where her father served St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Service in the church was woven into her daily life. As a young adult, she typed her father's sermons, a task that eventually grew into a long career as a secretary at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Stuart, FL. She treasured her years serving alongside Pastor Tom Zehnder and Pastor Dave Albers, and she delighted in "training" many vicars through the years.

Mitzi was blessed with five children: David (Angie) Hellyer of Smiths Station, AL; Julie (Paul) Land of Raymore, MO; Lisa Hellyer of Raymore, MO; Michael (Sally) Hellyer of Stuart, FL; and Jennifer Briglia of Raymore, MO. She also claimed Chris Drews as her bonus daughter. She was "Mema" to ten beloved grandchildren: Haley Berrios, Alyssa Kegles, Stephen Land, Sarah (Mykel) Land, Micah Land, Shannon (Sarah) Andersen, Caleb (Ceara) Briglia, Jacob Briglia, Alyssa (Caleb) Reeves, and Isabella Hellyer. Mitzi also cherished her role as great-Mema to Tristan, Mylie, Brady, Brooks, Blake, Lily, Magnolia, Jasper, and the soon-to-be-born Violet and Hollis. She treasured her relationships with her nephews and nieces: Jeremiah (Wendy), Joshua, Jonathan, Danielle (Jay), and Ashley.

Mitzi is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Dorothy Schepman; her brother, Daniel Schepman; and her sister-in-law, June Schepman.

Faith and family were always at the center of Mitzi's life. She spent countless hours in private study of God's Word and found joy in participating in several women's Bible studies. She loved to ask questions—about everything—but especially about matters of faith, approaching Scripture with a child-like wonder. Mitzi expressed her love through cooking and baking. A call announcing she had made potato salad, meatloaf, stuffed peppers, or vegetable soup was a special treat for her family and neighbors. She especially loved family gatherings. Every card to her children and grandchildren was addressed with their full names—often prompting a fond eye roll—and was always signed, "love you bunches." Those words will forever remain a cherished blessing for all who knew and loved her best.

Mitzi leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, kindness, and strength.

The family will be greeting guests from 9-10 a.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Christ Community Church 14200 Kenneth Rd, Leawood, KS 66224.

Memorials may be given to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Stuart, FL, at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZDDV/campaign/C-1160P

Please put "Mitzi" in the box marked "specify".

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278