Carol Jo Breitenstein (Ritchie) Conran

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Carol Jo Breitenstein (Ritchie) Conran, 92 passed away Thursday, August 22nd, 2024, surrounded by her children. She was born on August 2nd, 1932, to Joseph Nicholas and Caroline (Carolyn) Marguerite (Exposito) Breitenstein of Aurora, Missouri. Carol’s parents re-located with their four children from Jefferson City, Missouri to Kansas City, Missouri when the children were young, Carol was the oldest child.

In 1954, Carol married her first husband, Donald V (Doc) Ritchie Sr, divorcing in 1986. Together, Carol and Doc raised two wonderful, loving, empathetic children, Donnie, and Diane. 

Carol was a graduate of Bishop Lillis High School, Kansas City, Missouri, and in her formative years, she was the host at the famous fried chicken restaurant the Green Parrott (circa 1929-1955), located at 52nd and Stateline Road, Shawnee Mission, Kansas. She worked there with her sister Mary, and as teenagers they giggled often and honed their conversative skills. 

Carol’s laid-back nature and affable smile brought joy to everyone around her. Throughout her life, Carol was a Brownie and Cub Scout Leader, a member of the Kansas City Missouri 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition, a Block Captain for the 56th and Virginia Neighborhood. She helped organize Blood donor drives at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church along with donating over forty pints of blood in her lifetime. She was a member of the St Francis Xavier Social Justice Group.

After the birth of her second child, Carol started working part-time as a Federal IRS tax examiner. This work extended into a full career, working for the National Department of Labor and she retired from there in 1994. Carol met her soul mate, John LeRoy Conran, while still working for the Department of Labor. Unbeknownst to her, she was high school friends with John’s sister, Joyce. John was also a graduate of Lillis High School. Upon learning that John was available, Carol set her sights on this wonderful, charismatic, charming man and they began their courtship. They married in 1992 until his death in 2020.

Carol was an avid photographer, becoming the family photojournalist for their family trips and outings. Carol and John often traveled with family and had great fun exploring the Grand Canyon, trekking to South Carolina and Baltimore Maryland. On the family camping/canoeing weekends, Carol and John’s cabin became the central hub of activity due to the air-conditioned cabin and real bathroom.

Carol was a warm, engaged, loving woman who was a lifelong member of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church. When John and Carol moved to Harrisonville Missouri, she was also a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Harrisonville. A woman of deep Catholic faith, she maintained a presence at both parishes.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Caroline Breitenstein, her loving husband John LeRoy Conran, siblings; Mary Ann (Breitenstein) Livingston, Peter (Pete) Breitenstein, Richard Breitenstein, and her first husband Donald V Ritchie Sr.

Carol is survived by son, Donald (Donnie) V Ritchie Jr. (Laurie) and daughter, Diane M Ritchie, both of Kansas City, Missouri, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation: Thursday, August 29th, 2024, from 6pm-7:30pm; Rosary at 6pm.

Visitation at Muehlebach Funeral Care, 6800 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, 64131.

Funeral Mass: Friday, August 30th, 2024, at 11am at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1001 East 52nd Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 64110.

Following Mass, interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown Missouri, 64138.

Lunch provided after interment at family residence, information to follow.

Memorial Contributions are welcome to: St. Francies Xavier Catholic Church, 1001 East 52nd Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or Interim Healthcare of Overland Park (Hospice), 10977 Granada Lane, Ste 205, Overland Park, Kansas, 66211.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.muehlebachchapel.com.