1947 - 2023

Lynne Louise (Vinci) Eads rang in the New Year on January 1, 1947, with her birth to Joe and Joanne (Bravo) Vinci. At 76, she passed away peacefully at the Cottages at Shawnee on September 19, 2023, in Shawnee, Kansas.

Lynne grew up in Rocky Ford, Colorado with her parents and 2 sisters. She had an idyllic, small-town childhood in the “Watermelon Capitol,” with many friends and nearby family. Her best friend, Nancy, lived next door and they spent many afternoons playing together. Lynne remained close to Nancy her whole life. Some of Lynne’s favorite memories were of riding horses with her sisters, playing in the nearby ditch bank, swimming in Summertime, marching with the band in parades, and attending her Italian family’s reunions. Lynne had many accomplishments during high school. She was crowned Rocky Ford’s “Miss Merry Christmas” at 15, served as junior class president, and was the school’s trick twirler her senior year, just to name a few.

Lynne met John Eads during her senior year of high school. They married in 1966, and had one daughter, Kelli Jo, in 1968.  While their marriage did not last, they remained close throughout the years and enjoyed celebrating Kelli’s achievements as a family.

Lynne earned her bachelor’s degree from Adams State College in 1969. Following graduation, Lynne taught second and third grade elementary school for 10 years in both Tucson, Arizona and Manhattan, Kansas.  She inspired a true enthusiasm for education in her students and used creative methods to make learning fun. Using her passion for and expertise in education, Lynne successfully entered the business world in 1981 as a buyer and retail director for Superior School Supplies in Wichita, Kansas. She was proud to have assisted thousands of teachers and parents across Kansas by providing them with quality educational resources. 

At age 65, Lynne began enjoying retired life with her hobbies and simple pleasures. She created over 35 handmade scrapbooks of her family’s history, photos, and special occasions. Later, Lynne began making handmade greeting cards for family and friends.  She moved from Wichita to Shawnee, Kansas in 2015 to be near Kelli and son-in-law, Bill. Lynne jokingly referred to her apartment complex, Tuckaway, as “Tuck-Mom-Away.” After her move, she continued enjoying girlfriend getaways with Kelli, dinners prepared by Bill, having her sisters visit (usually discovering they had all unintentionally dressed alike), cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and KU Jayhawks, celebrating holidays and many family gatherings. Lynne also loved going out for her morning coffee every day, earning her the title of “Dunkin Diva.” As her health failed, Lynne most treasured visiting with family on the porch in the fresh air, sometimes with a margarita. These precious moments will always be cherished.

Lynne will be remembered by all for her great love of her family, strength during difficult times, and beautiful spirit. Our lives were all enriched by her presence in this world, and she is greatly missed.

Lynne was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Joanne Vinci, baby sister Paula Vinci, and former husband, John Eads. She is survived by her daughter Kelli Stevens, son-in-law Bill Stevens, devoted sisters Judy Stone and Marilyn Leiszler, brother-in-law Jim Leiszler, niece Amy Weishaar (Craig) and nephews Marty Stone, Chris Leiszler (Anne-Marie) and Matthew Leiszler (Tori), along with grand-nieces Molly, Teegan, and Tana, and grand-nephews Ryan, Justin, Harrison, Bennett, and Ty.

A visitation will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in the Stone Chapel, 9130 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, Kansas on Thursday, October 5^th at 9:30 a.m., with a funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m. Immediately following the funeral Mass, there will be a luncheon in the Gast Social Hall of the main church, 13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Catholic Charities online at Donate - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (catholiccharitiesks.org)