Sharon Gutschenritter

Sharon Ann (Seymour) Gutschenritter died peacefully in her home in Raymore, Missouri, on Tuesday, August 22. She would have soon turned 86.

No services are planned per Sharon's request, but it would make her happy to know family and friends are sharing their memories of her with one another.

Sharon was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on October 4, 1937, to Robert and Thelma Seymour. The family later moved to Overland Park, Kansas, where she attended and graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School. She received a degree in medical technology from Baker University, where she was a member of the Phi Mu sorority, and then practiced at Menorah Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.

It was at Baker University where she met her husband, John Gutschenritter, and the couple were joined in marriage on June 22, 1958, in Baldwin City, Kansas. Together they were blessed with two children, Debra and Jeff (John J.).

John's dental practice took the family to Larned, Kansas, where over the years Sharon was devoted to supporting her children in their school activities, hobbies and interests and took part in many civic organizations. She also served as bookkeeper and office manager for her husband's dental practice until he retired in 1990. Then the couple built a country home between Baldwin and Eudora, Kansas, where they enjoyed their many dogs, cats and horses, treasured visits by friends and family and delighted in reuniting with old college acquaintances.

In 2018 they downsized to their home in Raymore, where John passed away a year later.

Throughout her life, Sharon's positive attitude and cheerful disposition were a bright light to all she encountered. She never met a stranger and could glean someone's life story through just a short chat in the ice cream aisle at Walmart. She found people "interesting," and she never had a bad word to say about anyone.

Sharon loved giving gifts – shirts, comforters, coffee mugs – anything with cats on it. She loved reading books and sharing favorite authors with her friends. She loved planting flowers and couldn't wait 'til the nurseries opened in the spring. She loved eating ice cream and watching Hallmark movies with Charlie, her French bulldog. She loved her friends and cultivated those relationships from every chapter of her life.

But most of all she loved her family – her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all their spouses. To them, in addition to being the greatest wife, mom and grandma ever, she was a best friend, cheerleader, comforter, advisor and giver of unconditional love.

She will be deeply missed, always remembered, and the world is a better place because she was here.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, John Gutschenritter. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Freeman [Ron]; son, Jeff (John J.) [Cynthia]; brother, Ron Seymour; four granddaughters and their spouses; eight great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and Charlie the dog – all whom she dearly loved.

The family suggests memorial contributions be given to "The Irene Marsi, John and Sharon Gutschenritter Endowed Fund for Science" at Baker University (P.O. Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006), or to an organization dear to your heart.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278