Glenda Callicott was lovingly greeted by her Savior on January 18, 2021 at the age of 63, and now sits in heaven with him fully restored.
In her life on Earth, she exemplified fierce persistence in the face of formidable loss; her challenges were only exceeded by her resilience. She was also a soft-spoken giant of the Faith; though life can be hard, Glenda never hardened. She was caring and optimistic even at the end. Her daughters carry on her legacy of a heart for others, a cheerful demeanor and unique strength of will. She will be missed but echoes of her are all around in the children and grandchildren that bear her spirit and strength and goodness. Glenda was born to Donald and Adele Rohr on September 24th, 1957 in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the only daughter of four children. The family moved to Independence, Missouri where she graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1975. The family joined Independence First United Methodist Church in 1970, which was an influential part of Glenda’s life. She graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in Home Economics with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. Glenda married Larry Helm in 1977 and was the mother of three cherished daughters. She devoted much of her life to the ministry of children, by founding the Starshine Preschool at Independence First United Methodist Church. After feeling the call to the ministry, she earned a degree from St. Paul’s School of Theology and became a Diaconal Deacon in the United Methodist Church. Many years were spent working for the church as a children’s minister. Then, she worked for the Independence School District in the Early Education Department. Her greatest joy in life was becoming a grandmother to her five grandchildren. Later in life, she was married to Mike Callicott for fourteen years, and they enjoyed traveling together.
Glenda was preceded in death by her father, Donald Rohr, and her granddaughter, Grace Howard.
Glenda is survived by three daughters and their husbands: Chandra and Mike Ebbing of Lee’s Summit, MO, Erika and Michael Toney of Dallas, Texas, and Rachel and Ryan Wise of Kansas City, MO. She was adored by her five grandchildren: Raylee and Harper Toney, Reece and Rory Wise, and Marissa Ebbing. Also surviving Glenda are mother, Adele Rohr of Independence, MO, three brothers and their wives: Douglas and Nancy Rohr of St. Joseph, Missouri, Dean and Kim Rohr of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Dennis and Susie Rohr of Independence, MO, as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund at this link. ttps://www.kidneyfund.org/
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, MO 816-796-8600