1916
Gretchen
2009
Gretchen Westphal
October 15, 1916 — April 15, 2009
Gretchen Elizabeth Poos Westphal, 92, Prairie Village, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2009. A memorial service for family and friends is scheduled for 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 91st & Lamar, Overland Park.
She was born October 15, 1916 in Nortonville, Kansas to Lillie and Henry Poos. She lived in Leawood, KS for over 53 years and was married to Wally W. Westphal, the “World’s Greatest Barber” of the Plaza Haircut Shop (made legendary by George Gurley) for 51 years.
Gretchen has donated her body to Kansas University Medical Center and there will be a private memorial service for the family at a later date.
A member of the Leawood Garden Club for many years, Gretchen was an avid gardener and could make anything grow in her beautiful yard. Every spring she would harvest rhubarb and gooseberries, making mouthwatering juicy homemade pies.
Gretchen was one of the best cooks in Kansas City. At one time the KC Star wanted to feature her in the Food section. She would love to spoil Wally and often entertained friends. She loved parties and played bridge with her special friends.
As a faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church, she seldom missed a Sunday until she became ill.
Philanthropic and fun loving, Gretchen was generous of spirit and loved giving to her church, charities, neighbors, friends, and family. She was charitable to KCPT and the Kansas City Philharmonic.
The family wishes to thank all of those team members at Brighton Gardens who made Gretchen’s life so full. We appreciate all of their care.
The family suggests contributions be made to KCPT or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Gretchen is survived by her sister, Dolly Lyon of Hilton Head, SC; and eleven nieces and nephews who loved her very much.
Gretchen lost her husband Wally in 1999. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Harriet R. Nass of Atchison, KS and brother, John W. Poos of Wichita, Kansas.
She was born October 15, 1916 in Nortonville, Kansas to Lillie and Henry Poos. She lived in Leawood, KS for over 53 years and was married to Wally W. Westphal, the “World’s Greatest Barber” of the Plaza Haircut Shop (made legendary by George Gurley) for 51 years.
Gretchen has donated her body to Kansas University Medical Center and there will be a private memorial service for the family at a later date.
A member of the Leawood Garden Club for many years, Gretchen was an avid gardener and could make anything grow in her beautiful yard. Every spring she would harvest rhubarb and gooseberries, making mouthwatering juicy homemade pies.
Gretchen was one of the best cooks in Kansas City. At one time the KC Star wanted to feature her in the Food section. She would love to spoil Wally and often entertained friends. She loved parties and played bridge with her special friends.
As a faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church, she seldom missed a Sunday until she became ill.
Philanthropic and fun loving, Gretchen was generous of spirit and loved giving to her church, charities, neighbors, friends, and family. She was charitable to KCPT and the Kansas City Philharmonic.
The family wishes to thank all of those team members at Brighton Gardens who made Gretchen’s life so full. We appreciate all of their care.
The family suggests contributions be made to KCPT or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Gretchen is survived by her sister, Dolly Lyon of Hilton Head, SC; and eleven nieces and nephews who loved her very much.
Gretchen lost her husband Wally in 1999. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Harriet R. Nass of Atchison, KS and brother, John W. Poos of Wichita, Kansas.
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