Loretta Mae DiVilbiss

Loretta Mae (Vogel) DiVilbiss

September 1, 1934–December 7, 2023

Loretta Mae (Vogel) DiVilbiss, “MeMe”, 89, of Leawood, Kan., passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Loretta will be forever remembered as a strong, elegant woman whose love and beauty knew no bounds … a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who led her family with a timeless sense of style and grace.

Born September 1, 1934, to Albert and Pearl (Quintard) Vogel, Loretta grew up in Kansas City, Kan., attending Argentine High School, graduating class of 1952, before continuing her studies at Kansas City Kansas Community College. 

Loretta married her loving husband, Phillip DiVilbiss, on June 18, 1971, and they were married for 52 years. The two blended their large families–seven children total–and while this had its challenges, Loretta was the glue that held everyone together. She dispelled the term “step-” child and loved all her children with equal and unconditional fierceness. They loved her all the more in return.

Loretta took great pride in being a hard worker. She made an art of keeping things in order. Her home was always pristine–a page ripped from a magazine. She had this uncanny ability to bring the beauty out of everything and everyone around her.

Loretta especially loved Christmas and worked tirelessly to make each year magical. She would transform her home, sparing no strand of lights or garland, and even designated a “gift-wrapping room” in her basement, where she spent countless hours collecting thoughtful gifts. She would gather all her grandchildren to build intricate gingerbread houses–a memory they still cherish.

Loretta and her husband Phillip lived life to the fullest. They traveled the world, living in La Jolla, Calif., for many years before returning to the Kansas City area to be close to family. They were especially fond of Puerto Vallarta, their “little slice of paradise”, where they made dear friends and countless memories.

Loretta was a skilled tennis player and continued to play well into her seventies. She was an avid reader, bridge player and incomparable cook (her cinnamon applesauce was life-changing!). She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, live theater and a good jigsaw puzzle. She always kept a positive attitude and never left the house without a little lipstick and a spritz of perfume. 

With timeless beauty and silent strength, Loretta approached life with a sense of resilience and consistency that inspired all who knew her. She never had a bad word to say about anyone and always listened intently without passing judgment.

Loretta was preceded in death by her brother, A. Dan Vogel; daughter, Carolyn Kirk; son, David K. Kirk; and grandson, Tyler A. Kirk.

Loretta leaves behind her husband, Phillip DiVilbiss; her children: Gary (Kim) Kirk, Greg (Kelly) DiVilbiss, Lynne (David) Eaton, Dan Kirk, Jana (Jim) Dishman, and Alison DiVilbiss Gilpin; two nephews: Daniel and Chris Vogel; one niece, Keri Vogel Hall; 17 grandchildren: Chad, Jenny, Dana, Jacob, Grace, Lauren, Maddie, Nick, Blake, Noah, Gina, Sam, Sally, Sydney, Corey, Max and Jack; and six great-grandchildren: James, Miles, Jack, Violet, Leah and Franco.

A visitation will be held at Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Thursday, December 21, at 1 p.m., with a service to follow at 2 p.m.