June VanDever

Alma “June” VanDever completed her life's journey Wednesday, November 14th at the age of 85. She passed peacefully at Liberty Hospital surrounded by her loved ones. Visitation is Saturday, November 17th from 9:30-11:00 AM, followed by the memorial service at 11:00 AM at Platte Woods United Methodist Church, 7310 NW Prairie View Road Platte Woods, MO 64151.

June was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Ethel Nichols, and brothers Vincent Nichols and Gene Nichols.  She leaves her loving husband Bill, son Michael VanDever (Marsha), daughter Vicki King (Kurt), granddaughter Jeni Dohrmann (Ben), grandson Ryan VanDever (Ruthie), granddaughter Megan Cox (Jon), grandson Adam King (Brigette), all of Kansas City, MO, along with sister Nada Norton (Leroy) and brother Donald Nichols. Seven great grandchildren with the 8th grandchild (another girl) due next March, and many nieces and nephews.

June was born on September 7, 1933 between Bentonville and Hiwasse, Arkansas in a rambled old shack on a dirt road, as one of 5 children. She told many stories of the daily struggles; pinching pennies, milking cows, picking beans and strawberries. June attended Miller Grade School and Bentonville High School. She, of course, walked to school 2 miles uphill both ways. After graduating high school June visited her cousin, Anna Mae, who lived in El Dorado, Kansas.  She started her first job at the drugstore soda fountain on her 18th birthday, September 7, 1951.  That very same day, Bill VanDever walked in and spied the love of his life.  They have been inseparable ever since. Within 2 weeks Bill had proposed, and the rest they say, is history.

She was united in marriage to William Lee VanDever on June 22, 1952 at the VanDever farm just SW of Leon, Kansas, which was a union that lasted over 66 years. Bill and his “June Bug” are a testament to true love and devotion.  June’s fierce love for her husband and family will continue to be a blessing in their lives.

The family would like to thank the Liberty Hospital Palliative Care Team, especially Chris, for their compassionate care to our Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and friend.