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Leisa Carroll Bowling Stevens
Nov 02, 1958 - Nov 27, 2021

On November 27, 2021 Leisa Carroll Bowling Stevens, 63, reluctantly left the dance floor. Her last partner, ALS, had no rhythm, no rhyme, and no sense of style. She would not allow it to further diminish her. She left surrounded by those who comprised the core of her existence, her husband Tony, her son Will, her mother Sandi, and her father Bob. Her beloved brother Rob died earlier this year.

 

Leisa was born on November 2, 1958 in Rolla, Missouri. In addition to her parents, she was the apple of her Gram's and Paw Paw's eyes. She spent her youth driving all the young men crazy, working at Larry's flower shop, and curating her lifelong love of disco dancing and music. She met a handsome, smart and athletic rugby player at the University of Missouri, Rolla. After they both received their degrees there, she and Tony married and left for Kansas City, where they made their home for the rest of Leisa's life.

 

For those of us devastated by the loss of our North Star, our comic relief, our partner in crime and our social compass, it is a comfort to know that Leisa lived her life to the fullest. She could not and would not shield herself from the injustice and hardships felt by others and performed so many large and small acts of kindness. She was a champion of the underdog. She couldn't stand for anyone to be picked on, left out, or treated as if they didn't matter. She researched and read and was a formidable opponent of those in power whom she felt were not living up to her ideals of public service. At the Stinson law firm, where she worked for over 30 years, she often volunteered to work on pro bono matters, involving those she felt often had no voice.

 

She was also the center of the party. She organized disco parties, held kitchen dance offs, thrived on acting just slightly inappropriately, and accumulated an incredibly wide and diverse universe of friends. She loved hard and she loved completely, and her world was not complete until her son, Will, was born. On social media, she referred to him as her Smart Athletic Son, and she was so proud of him. She left all of our lives so much richer for her presence. In her memory please contribute to St. Luke’s Hospice House or charity in which you feel strongly, be part of an educated electorate, and put on some Earth, Wind and Fire and dance your grief away. She would have liked that.
Send Condolences

Condolences

Jeffrey Befort Nov 29, 2021

friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

It is with great sadness that I read of Leisa's death, but it is with great joy and laughter that I remember her smile and fun spirit. Having worked with Leisa for over 20 years at Stinson, she was always a pleasure to be around and I will surely miss my Lotto partner. Peace and a strong spirit to the Stevens family in this difficult time. Jeff Befort.

Patti Maxfield Nov 29, 2021

Co-Worker ,Kansas City ,Missouri

What a beautiful and accurate descripton of Leisa. A beautiful soul. A Champion. A loving friend. I loved her directness and humor. I will so miss seeing you, Leisa. Tony and Will, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts. I know she has left you with so many wonderful memories. Cherish them.

Patricia Brennecke Nov 29, 2021

Co/worker ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I am so sorry to hear of Leisa’s passing. She was a wonderful human being and brought laughter to those around her. She will be truly missed among her Stinson family. May God grant peace and comfort to her family.

Cristina Domme Nov 30, 2021

Please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family.

MIta Hoagland Nov 30, 2021

Co-Worker ,KCMO ,Missouri

Leisa had such a good heart -- was everyone's best friend and it was genuine; nothing fake about her. She was always so easy to talk to and a joy to be around. She made the world a better place and I am so fortunate that our paths crossed. I will always remember the good times. My heartfelt sympathy to Tony and Will and her parents.

Bryon Wilcoxson Nov 30, 2021

Family Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

It is with great sadness that we send one angel to join another. I met Leisa through her brother Rob, who passed away in may of this year. Rob was a dear friend of mine for all too short a time. I was delighted to meet Leisa, along with her family, including their mother Sandy. What an amazing group of people. Leisa was such a kind and caring person, who took me in as one of her own. Not only did she believe in me, but she helped me to believe in myself. I, as most of you, am devastated to have to lose someone so dear to me. May we all turn up the music, dance and sing our hearts out, and cherish the good times. The show must go on. When the curtain closes, it’s only just begun.

Jim Weaver Dec 01, 2021

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

So sorry to hear this, Tony. Thoughts and prayers to you, Will and the rest of the family.

Ed & Ann VanLeeuwen Dec 01, 2021

Co-worker of Tony ,Village of Loch Lloyd ,Missouri

Prayers for Leisa, Will and Tony! God bless you all!

Shelly Killingsworth Dec 01, 2021

Co/Worker Hallamrk ,Lawson ,Missouri

Tony no words can express the sorrow I feel for you and Will. I am so sorry to hear this. I will never forget the way you talked about Leisa. You would light up when you talked about her, even when you were telling us something crazy she did. Your love for her was so large! Saying a prayer for you, Will and the rest of the family.

Lindsey Conrad Dec 01, 2021

Former co-worker ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I’m so sorry to hear about your family’s loss. Leisa was always a bright spot in every day at the office. She was brilliant, hilarious, and kind- the sort of person that anyone is so lucky to know. Your family is in my thoughts.

Sharon Davis Dec 01, 2021

Friend - Co worker ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Tony and Will I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God comfort you. I'll be praying for you.

Michael Taylor Dec 02, 2021

Co-Worker of Tony at Hallmark ,Platte City ,Missouri

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Leisa. My heart and prayers go out to Tony, Will, and everyone that knew and loved her.

Tiffany A Allen Dec 02, 2021

Friend ,Kearney ,Missouri

Tony, Will and Sandi ~ I am so sorry for your devastating loss. I am praying for peace and comfort for you all.

Mark Foster Dec 02, 2021

Friend/co-worker ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Leisa will be sorely missed by all of us who had the privilege of working with and being around her. She was bright, feisty, opinionated and funny. She loved her husband Tony and son Will with all her heart —- which was big and caring. Dance on…