William H. and Marie Stivers

Bill Stivers, 92, passed away on August 24th, and Marie Stivers, 92 on September 10th . They were married 70 years. Bill was in bowling management for over 50 years and met Marie at the Plaza Bowl in 1948. Marie was working at TWA at the time. Bill started at Plaza Bowl in 1953 and moved up to Executive Vice President of the King Louie Corporation and later Regional Manager for All American Bowling Corp. When he retired from All American, he bought his own bowling center, Skyway Lanes, in Leavenworth KS, which he owned for seven years. Most recently, Marie worked for Houston’s Restaurant on the Plaza for 16 plus years as a hostess before she suffered a stroke in 2010. She loved working around all the young people, and most would agree she could work circles around them! Both Marie and Bill were very active and competitive in sports their entire lives; Marie in bowling, tennis and golf, Bill in baseball, bowling and golf. They both qualified for the National Bowling US Open three different years where Marie finished 8th in 1963 and they are both in the KC and MO Bowling Hall of Fame. Bill and Marie also enjoyed golfing at Brookridge County Club for over 43 years. Both were wonderful people and examples of key life principles, and a great work ethic which helped their children succeed in life. They were preceded in death by their son, Brad Stivers and survivors include a daughter Barbie Stivers of Lenexa, KS, daughter-in-law Debbie Stivers, and a granddaughter Kristen Stivers Rodenberg and her husband Michael. Visitation will be September 24th from 6-7 pm at Johnson County Memorial Chapel, 11200 Metcalf followed by a short memorial service. The service will also be live streamed.

Both were dog lovers, so in lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to Great Plains SPCA, Wayside Waifs, or any other shelter or rescue group in their name.