Bernice Marie May, 91, of Kearney, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Aspire Senior Living of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on May 1, 1933, in Garden Plains, Kansas, Bernice was a proud alumna of St. Mary’s Aleppo Catholic School. She began her career as an aide at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. Known for her vivacious spirit, Bernice enjoyed dressing up and dancing on Saturday nights, where she met Larry May, the love of her life. The couple married on April 27, 1957, and together they raised eight children.
As a dedicated homemaker, Bernice also worked as a house cleaner to support her family. From 1988 to 2001, she was employed at Mr. Dell’s Foods before retiring to devote herself to her greatest joy — caring for her grandchildren.
Bernice had a unique gift for connecting with people. She had a remarkable ability to engage with others, often leaving them with a smile and a new friend. Her culinary talents were unmatched, with her homemade bread and cinnamon rolls becoming family favorites. Her compassion and willingness to help others were truly inspiring. Her deep faith was evident through her constant companionship with her rosary and her dedication to prayer.
Bernice is survived by her seven children, Mary Barker, John (Carolyn) May, Mark (Donna) May, Mike (Michelle) May, Loretta (David) Brewer, Rosie (Patrick) Smith, and Joe (Tricia) May; 13 grandchildren, Jackie, Caitlin, Shannon, Matthew, Joshua, Austin, Meghan, Anna, Regan, Dylan, Cabot, James, and Charlotte; and five great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Jenna, Ava, Jaxson, and Dean.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Valery “Larry” May; her son, Tom May; her parents, Rose and John Wolke; and her siblings, Dolores Adrian, Marlene Jansen, JoAnn Mainz, and Harold Wolke.
Bernice’s warmth, generosity, and loving spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 208 S. Jefferson, Kearney MO 64060, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday August 6, 2024 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 700 W Maple St., Plattsburg, MO 64477. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, 820 Main St., Plattsburg, MO 64477.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Little Sisters of the Poor
8745 James A Reed Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64138
