1923
Elaine
2014
Elaine Kalen
October 9, 1923 — June 24, 2014
Elaine H. Kalen, 90, of Santa Marta Retirement Community, Olathe, KS, passed away at her home on Tuesday, June 24, 2014.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at the Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd. Following the memorial service, the family will receive friends.
Elaine was born October 9, 1923, in Kansas City, MO, the second daughter of Arleigh “Pat” and Martha Grace Handlen. She graduated from Southwest High School in 1940 and attended Kansas City Junior College for two years. She then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baker University in 1944. She enjoyed many activities while in college and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, receiving her Order of The Shield in 1993. Following graduation, she continued being active in alumni events including serving as President of the Kansas City chapter of the Zeta Tau Alpha alumni association. She also served as a representative to the Pan-Hellenic Association of Kansas City. While attending Baker University, she met her future husband, Kenneth Kalen and they were married in 1947.
Elaine was always involved in school and civic activities including being a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and encouraged her youngest son to become an Eagle Scout. She served in several capacities with the Parent Teachers Association. She was a life time member of the Republican Party and was always interested in local and national political activities. She shared with her husband an interest and support of many community activities including the United Way, Society of Fellows, Conservatory of Music, Repertory Theater and numerous other charities.
Elaine was a member of the Village Presbyterian Church since 1979 and was active in church activities. She served as a Shepherd Deacon and was very active in circles and other women’s activities. She was a member of the Kansas City Club for many years and was a member of Indian Hills Country Club for 35 years.
Elaine was an excellent dancer and enjoyed many other activities including golf, traveling, art, theater and spending time with members of her family. She was dearly loved by her children, grandchildren and many friends and will be greatly missed.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Naoma Leighty Weatherman; her eldest son, Stephen E. Kalen; and her daughter-in-law, Melanie Audley.
Elaine is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Kenneth Kalen; her son, Daniel A. Kalen; daughter-in-law, Lynne Kalen; and four grandchildren, Amanda K. Kalen, Michelle N. (Tim) Hadachek, Parker K. Kalen and Alexander D. Kalen.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Village Presbyterian Church, PO Box 8050 Prairie Village, KS 66208 or the charity of your choice.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at the Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd. Following the memorial service, the family will receive friends.
Elaine was born October 9, 1923, in Kansas City, MO, the second daughter of Arleigh “Pat” and Martha Grace Handlen. She graduated from Southwest High School in 1940 and attended Kansas City Junior College for two years. She then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baker University in 1944. She enjoyed many activities while in college and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, receiving her Order of The Shield in 1993. Following graduation, she continued being active in alumni events including serving as President of the Kansas City chapter of the Zeta Tau Alpha alumni association. She also served as a representative to the Pan-Hellenic Association of Kansas City. While attending Baker University, she met her future husband, Kenneth Kalen and they were married in 1947.
Elaine was always involved in school and civic activities including being a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and encouraged her youngest son to become an Eagle Scout. She served in several capacities with the Parent Teachers Association. She was a life time member of the Republican Party and was always interested in local and national political activities. She shared with her husband an interest and support of many community activities including the United Way, Society of Fellows, Conservatory of Music, Repertory Theater and numerous other charities.
Elaine was a member of the Village Presbyterian Church since 1979 and was active in church activities. She served as a Shepherd Deacon and was very active in circles and other women’s activities. She was a member of the Kansas City Club for many years and was a member of Indian Hills Country Club for 35 years.
Elaine was an excellent dancer and enjoyed many other activities including golf, traveling, art, theater and spending time with members of her family. She was dearly loved by her children, grandchildren and many friends and will be greatly missed.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Naoma Leighty Weatherman; her eldest son, Stephen E. Kalen; and her daughter-in-law, Melanie Audley.
Elaine is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Kenneth Kalen; her son, Daniel A. Kalen; daughter-in-law, Lynne Kalen; and four grandchildren, Amanda K. Kalen, Michelle N. (Tim) Hadachek, Parker K. Kalen and Alexander D. Kalen.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Village Presbyterian Church, PO Box 8050 Prairie Village, KS 66208 or the charity of your choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elaine Kalen, please visit our flower store.