Odessa Missouri Class of 1990

12/31/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/18SmJmBXAN/

Benjamin Ward Hooper, born on May 20, 1972, in Independence, MO, passed away at his home in Blue Springs, MO, on December 2, 2024, at the age of 52.
Ben was a beloved son, brother, uncle, musician, and educator, whose life was dedicated to sharing his passion for music and helping others. He is survived by his loving mother, Francine Hooper, his sisters, Judith Simone (Hooper) and Lorna Hooper, and his adored niece, Wrigley Clifton. He was predeceased by his father, Ward David Hooper.
Ben spent his formative years in Odessa, MO, where he excelled in music and art while attending Odessa High School. As a member of the marching band, he played tenor saxophone and earned awards for his talents in both music and art, including guitar solo-virtuoso from the Mid-America Music Association. His natural abilities and his constant quest for perfecting his art led him to a bright future where he earned a Bachelors in Music–Jazz Commercial Arranging, K-12 Music Certification–Orchestra, and Masters in Education Technology.
For nearly 30 years, Ben inspired countless students teaching music at Penn Valley Community College. He worked for the medical schools at KU Medical Center and Saint Luke’s College of Health Science supporting online learning.
Ben’s love for music extended far beyond the classroom participating in various bands performing in venues across throughout the Kansas City area. He composed jazz music and shared his knowledge through private music lessons for community members. As a cherished member of the band for Pointe of Hope Church in Blue Springs, his musical talents enriched worship services and inspired others in their faith.
In addition to music, Ben was a talented woodworker who learned the craft from his father. He spent countless hours creating beautiful pieces, including vases, and even a guitar and drum set. His craftsmanship and artistry were as inspiring as his music.
Ben was a shining example of kindness and selflessness, using his incredible talents to touch the lives of everyone around him. His family, friends, and students were all incredibly lucky to have him, and his absence leaves an indelible mark on all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing a scholarship fund established in Ben’s memory. Watch his page for more information. These contributions will be utilized to support students pursuing artistic endeavors, honoring Ben’s legacy and passion for music. We would also like to encourage donations to www.musicares.org or www.us.movemeber.com
“Music is what you notice when it’s no longer in your presence…” ~ Pat Metheny

10/16/2024

Many classmates have reached out and asked what they could do for Shannon and Stephanie after the tragic loss of their son Dalton. It would be great if we could collect some funds to purchase a flower arrangement for the service and make a donation in Daltons honor to the Foundation for su***de prevention. Everyone knows Shannon is always the first one to step up and help, let’s support his family and honor an amazing young man the world has lost. I will purchase the flowers and all other funds collected will be donated to the Foundation for Su***de Prevention. You can Venmo -Shutt-1 the 4 digits of number are 8177. If you do not have venmo but want to help contact Me (Kent) 816-678-8197.

10/15/2024

Dalton Patrick Smith, 28, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Visitation 11:00 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. Celebration of Life to follow Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Blue Springs Christian Church ~ 7920 MO S. 7 Highway, Blue Springs, Missouri 64014. A reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to American Foundation for Su***de prevention: afsp.org/chapter/missouri

Dalton was born September 20, 1996 to Shannon and Stephanie (Fiene) Smith in Blue Springs, Missouri. He graduated high school in 2015 from Blue Springs South High School. In 2019 Dalton graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. After graduation he accepted a teaching position in Pueblo, Colorado at Morton Elementary School where he taught PE. After 2 years in Pueblo, he accepted a teaching position at Liberty High School in Colorado Springs where he taught PE and health. During his time there he was the sponsor of many clubs within the school, coached Girls Basketball and Girls Golf. Dalton enjoyed spending time with friends and family, traveling, climbing 14,000-foot mountains, hiking, skiing, listening to different music genre’s, reading and spoiling Finn and his roommate’s dogs, Peggy and Izzy.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, James R. Smith; paternal great-grandmother, Georgia Davis; maternal grandmother, Deborah B. Fiene; maternal grandfather, James R. Fiene; maternal great-grandfather, Jesse G. Fiene; maternal great-grandmother, Ruby M. Prier; cousin, Jordan P. Smith; uncle, Andy Libera; and just three weeks ago, his childhood dog, Darnell.

Dalton is survived by his parents: Shannon and Stephanie (Fiene) Smith; siblings: Mason James Smith and Hannah Reese Smith; bonus brother, Keeyon Incle; his Australian Shepard, Finneas (Finn); grandmother, Rebecca Smith; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441

08/13/2024

Just found another donation in cash app for $250 for the 1990 funds. When I tell people about this class, they already know. We are the best!!!!!!

07/12/2024

Classmates-hope all of you are doing well. I send this to you all asking for some assistance with the 1990 Memorial Scholarship Fund as well as the main account which is used for flowers, etc.. for classmates and family. As a reminder, we have given out two scholarships per year for over a decade in honor of our classmates we have lost. We have been blessed in that we have been able to be self funded for the last 10 years, mostly due to certain classmates stepping up or the fundraisers that we did for multiple years.
Some of us are working on a fundraiser for later this year or next, as well as a class reunion.
If you can assist us in any way, thank you so much. Honoring the memories of our classmates we have lost is something that is not only special, but rare. That is why our class is the best!!!!
Here are the ways to send $.
Venmo-
Cashapp$kcsonicman
1908 are the last 4 digits of my cell number if needed for verification.
Or by mail:
Mitch Knapp po box is 587 Odessa, MO 64076

01/31/2024

Hey guys! Cindy Krauss is going to be in town on February 10 th and would like to catch up with friends. If anyone is interested let me know. Tentatively think broken dollars saloon for dinner and drinks!

12/10/2023

https://www.smithfamilycares.com/obituaries/patricia-woods

View Patricia Arlee Woods's obituary, send flowers and find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/02/2022

Hello classmates!! There will be a benefit for Kenneth Pfetsch on March 26th at the VFW. Poker, dinner, and a live band! If someone can't attend the event and would like to donate, you can make checks payable to Jeanne Pfetsch. Prayers are also welcomed!!

09/05/2021

Please keep the Shutt family in your prayers. Parents were in an accident.

02/20/2020

It's been awhile since I've posted on here, but we have a fundraiser coming up and need support. All of the proceeds go to the Class of 1990 account to pay for funeral arrangements of classmates, past teachers, e.t.c.. as well as for the Class of 1990 memorial scholarships. Two students each year recieve these scholarships!

Golf tournament
March 28th
Shirkeys, Richmond, Mo

There are two critical parts to this fundraiser. #1 Finding golfers and/or teams. Friends, family, coworkers or yourself.
#2 Finding sponsors. This is actually not that hard since we decided to go with a low sponsorship fee of $150. This gets their name on the main sign and on a sign at a hole on the course.
I will be posting a flyer soon, but wanted to get this out asap.

Please please don't assume the next person is going to help, we work extremely hard keeping the account in line and financially stable. $150 is easy to ask for with your employer or maybe even your own business. I know personally it means so much to be a recipient of the classes thoughtfulness during a tough time. Thanks!!

04/21/2018

Huge thanks to Ronda Peal-Ward, Angie Ausmus Fain and Christy Verstraete-Fritz for judging the applicants for this years scholarship.

As I have stated before, the judging is done without knowing the names of the participates as all the personal info is blacked out. It is the best way.

Only I know who the two winners are, and I'm not telling!!!!

04/10/2018

Looking for some classmates to judge the scholarships this year for the memorial scholarship. Needing two, the third is one of the committee members.
To be a judge you can't have a child applying for the scholarship.
Please let Shannon Smith know asap.
Thanks.