Leigh Ann Zeller, age 50, Shawnee, KS, died on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 after a seven year struggle with metastatic breast cancer. Leigh Ann was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, the daughter of Mary Elaine (Sullivant) Zeller and Darrell Zeller. She grew up in Prairie Village, Kansas and attended Saint Ann’s School, Bishop Miege High School, and Saint Theresa’s High School. Leigh Ann was a gifted athlete and especially enjoyed tennis, playing this game she loved from childhood into her 40’s. At Bishop Miege, she was voted kindest and most caring classmate by her peers. Leigh Ann graduated from Rockhurst University and earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Kansas. She then completed a postgraduate Clinical Social Work Fellowship at The Child Study Center at the Yale University School of Medicine. Leigh Ann had a deeply compassionate and loving heart, showing kindness to all whom she met. She was especially gifted in her work with children and families at the Britain Development Center at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, frequently going above and beyond on behalf of families to provide support, counseling, and care. Leigh Ann was deeply loved and appreciated by her colleagues at the Britain Development Center, all of whom were such a tremendous support to her over the last few years in her struggles with cancer. Leigh Ann had a beautiful voice and was a member of the Visitation Catholic Church choir. She found great joy in expressing her faith through song and in the camaraderie and fellowship that she found in the choir. Leigh Ann was a wonderful and loving aunt to her nephews, Paul and Michael, and to her cousin Shayla’s children, Sienna and Cole. She also cared deeply for all of the children with whom she worked at the Britain Development Center over the years. Leigh Ann had a wonderful sense of humor, always creating space for playfulness, goofiness, and joy–even when her own struggles were tremendous. In 2017, Leigh Ann was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and fought this disease for seven years. Leigh Ann rarely complained about her own struggles and showed care and concern for friends and family who visited her–always curious about how others were doing and asking about their lives. Leigh Ann was a person of deep faith and lived out her faith in her care for others–especially those on the margins and those who struggled with physical and emotional pain. She felt others’ pain deeply, and her empathy for those who were suffering was truly remarkable. A dear friend who spent a lot of time with Leigh Ann during her last few years remarked that whenever she and other friends would visit Leigh Ann to offer support and care, they always felt that they left their visits with Leigh Ann feeling like they received so much more than they gave. Leigh Ann is survived by her mother, Mary Elaine (Sullivant) Zeller; her father, Darrell Zeller (Mary Fran Zeller); her brother, John Zeller (Mary “Missy” Holland); nephews, Paul and Michael Zeller; stepbrother, David Barmettler (Meldy Barmettler); niece, Hope Barmettler, and nephews, Adan and Byani. Leigh Ann also received tender care over her final years from her dear cousin, Shayla (Sullivant) Dehaemers (Matt Dehaemers), and her dear aunt, Sherry Sullivant. Leigh Ann was blessed with many wonderful friends, including those who were especially close to her and showed her wonderful support and love during her final years, including Shannon Condon, Julie Eastland, and Lori Moore. Leigh Ann’s family is deeply grateful for all of the amazing healthcare workers and staff who showed her wonderful care at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City Hospice House, Advance Healthcare of Overland Park, and Brookdale Rosehill. Services will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Visitation hours will be from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM at Visitation Church (5141 Main St., Kansas City, MO), followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 AM. There will be a luncheon to follow. Burial will be at 3:00 PM at Highland Cemetery at 5100 W. 65th St., Prairie Village, KS. Arrangements provided by Porter Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Britain Development Center, www.britaindevelopment.org
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