March 14, 1925 – February 2, 2024
Jennie Leola Dale was born in Blue Springs, Missouri, on March 14, 1925 to Charles and Mary Leek, and spent her early years growing up in Blue Springs. Jennie graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1943. She worked at Tempter Sandwich Shop in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and later worked at the National Garage at 11th and McGee, where she met Ralph Dale.
Ralph and Jennie were married on September 27, 1948 in Olathe, Kansas. They lived in Ravena Gardens in Clay County, Missouri, before moving to Kearney in January of 1951. Jennie began working as a tax preparer for JP Craig and later opened Dale and Thompson Tax Office with her friend and business partner Frances Thompson. Jennie was active in the Kearney United Methodist Church where she served as Methodist Youth Fellowship leader, Sunday School teacher, Methodist Women’s President, church Treasurer, and VBS coordinator. Jennie was also active in the Kearney community serving as Noble Grand of the Rebekah Lodge and as a 4-H leader. Jennie enjoyed many years of playing games with family and friends: Bridge, Somerset, Pitch, Skip-Bo, Marbles and “my silly card and dice games”. In her later years she also kept busy by playing online games: Solitaire, Bingo, Texas Hold’em; and by working puzzle books and reading.
Jennie loved people and she loved life. Her positive outlook was contagious and welcoming. Jennie never knew a stranger because in just a few minutes of conversation a connection would be made, a laugh shared, and a friendship kindled. An open door graced her heart and her home.
Jennie was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Dale; her parents; her siblings, Charles Leek, Arden Leek, John Leek, Lottie Leek, Jim Leek, Bill Leek, Mary Ann Poland, and Mable (Bubbles) Evans; her son, Roger Dale, and two grandchildren.
She is survived by children, Elizabeth (Terry) Barmann, Jennifer Jones, Ralph (Olivia) Dale, Danny (Dana) Dale, and Emily Truster; 17 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; great, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, February 9, 2024 at the Kearney Methodist Church. Funeral Service is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the Kearney Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the Kearney Methodist Church in memory of Jennie.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
Danny, Emily and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom, it’s always hard to lose a parent. Be so thankful that you were able to enjoy her for so many years. Every year is precious and every memory is priceless.
What a Legacy she leaves with all of her children and grandchildren.
All of my memories of her, she is smiling. She was a wonderful woman.
Prayers for you and your family as you endure her passing.
Shari (Wagner) Baker
Everyone should have a Jennie Dale in their life. She was a highlight of my youth. She was wonderful for my mother too. Energy, enthusiasm, personable, caring friend and more! Her positive influence has been a boon to anyone who is privileged to be in her sphere. I’ve loved her always.
Kay
My poem of peace and comfort.
“On the wings of a butterfly. Jenny’s soul was placed in the hands of her Creator.”
My friends please know that my heart is with you in this time of sorrow.
Nora Belle (Decker) Montgomery
