I was born on January 31, 1948, in Wichita, KS, and moved to Maize in 1951. I graduated from Maize High School in 1966 and earned a B.A. in Public Personnel Management from the University of Kansas in 1970. I then graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1971, completing my internship in Emporia, KS, before moving to Lawrence in 1972. That year, I obtained my Kansas Embalmer and Funeral Director licenses, which I held until 2022. My family purchased the Warren Mortuary, later renamed Warren-McElwain Mortuary, which we sold in 2020.

Serving grieving families was a profound honor. I learned that grief is deeply personal, requiring patience and understanding. I aimed to be a supportive listener, allowing families to take the time they needed to process their loss, while also providing resources for those facing intense grief. Our staff shared this commitment to compassionate care.

Over the years, we handled around 10,000 bodies, emphasizing individualized attention despite the demands of running a business. Growing up in my parents’ grocery store taught me the importance of putting customers first. Although we relied on accountants and consultants, the personal touch remained vital.

Early advice to gain diverse experiences prepared me for ownership sooner than expected. My early role as a night attendant at Warren Mortuary and my time in Berkeley equipped me for the unique challenges of Lawrence. I worked there until the business was sold in 2021.