Patricia Susan Parks

Patricia Susan Parks, 91, of Kansas City, MO passed away July 14, 2024 surrounded by the love of her family. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 19, 2024 in Leawood, Kansas; with a subsequent private internment at Mt. Washington Cemetery in Independence, Missouri.

Patricia was born August 7, 1932 to Lawrence Wayne Parks and Fern Elizabeth (Garrett) Parks in Kansas City, Missouri. She spent happy days growing up in Independence, MO in the Englewood District, attending Northeast High School.

In 1951, she married Edward Allen Frank, and to this union three children were born: Gregory Edward Frank, 1952; Susan Jane Frank, 1955; and Douglas Parks Frank, 1957.

While living in Kansas City, Pat worked at Western Electric. She moved to Memphis, MO in 1971 with her second husband, Ward Benson, Jr. While living in Memphis, as a labor of love, she opened her own antique store, Foxborough Station; eventually opened her own income tax preparation business while simultaneously working as an American Family Insurance agent. Along with her mother, she was an avid genealogist. In Memphis, she volunteered for the Scotland County Historical Society and the 1776 Bicentennial Committee. Patricia subsequently moved to Kirksville, MO and was creator of the investment club, Merry Moneymakers, staying current in DAR, playing bridge, and having fun with her good friends. Pat moved to Kansas City in 2014 to be near her children and grandchildren.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, one child, Gregory E. Frank; one brother, Stephen Garrett Parks, one nephew, Jeffrey Lee Frank, and husband Ward Benson, Jr.

Surviving are two children, two grandchildren, Robert Gregory Frank, Hilary Richardson Ceman, seven great grandchildren, Tyler, Daniel and Katie Frank; Brandon Frank; and Charles, Theodore and Darby Ceman; and two great great grandchildren, Hunter Frank and Henry Nelson; two siblings, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Kansas City Hospice House for providing compassionate care in her final days. Memorial contributions may be sent to the KC Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO. Patricia is deeply missed by her children.