Buena Aletha Abernathy

Buena Aletha Abernathy peacefully passed away on August 6, 2023, at Brookdale in Overland Park, Kansas.

Buena was born on February 2, 1930, in West Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa, to August A. and Ethel M. Jolley-Krekel. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Robert Abernathy; her parents, August and Ethel Krekel; and her six siblings: Enid, Mareo, Elizabeth, Melva, Delphine, and Robert.

Buena married John Robert Abernathy, the love of her life, on April 3, 1949, and they enjoyed over 50 years of marriage until his passing in 2000.

She began her career as a secretary/administrative assistant for Joseph Atha, the Chairman of the Board of Folger’s Coffee Company, where she worked until the company's acquisition by Proctor & Gamble in 1963. Buena continued working for the Atha family until joining Bendix/Honeywell.

Buena began work at Honeywell (where her husband John worked) on December 8, 1976, and she remained there until her retirement on April 1, 2016, at the age of 86. ‘Abby’, as she was known at work, garnered immense respect and affection from her coworkers at Honeywell. She was not just a colleague but a true friend, often sharing joyful moments going out for Mexican food and margaritas or heading to the casino.

Although she did not have children of her own, Buena held a special place in the hearts of her many nieces and nephews, who affectionately called her Aunt B. She had an unwavering love for animals, particularly dogs, and she always kept Yorkies at her home. An intrepid spirit, Buena continued to embrace new adventures well into her 70s and 80s, traveling to destinations like Hawaii where she volunteered in the restoration of the USS Missouri, engaging in ElderHostel Programs abroad, embarking on a walking tour of the Swiss Alps, and even trying her hand at indoor skydiving.

Buena's generosity and kindness were a testament to her character. She consistently extended a helping hand and will be profoundly missed by the many who cherished her.

A Funeral service in honor of Buena will be held at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas, on Friday, August 11th, at 2:00 pm, with a visitation period from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in her name to Children’s Mercy Hospital or Regina’s Rescue, a local dog shelter in Parker, Kansas, through the funeral home.  Condolences may be sent to the family at johnsoncountychapel.com.