Alleta M. Biggs

Alleta M. Biggs, 92, died peacefully on November 12 at Mission Chateau senior living community in Prairie Village after a lengthy illness.  Her husband of 70 years, Don, and all six children and their spouses were with her during her final days.  Alleta previously lived in Leavenworth, Ks and downtown Kansas City, Mo.

There will be a memorial Mass at Cure of Ars Catholic Church at 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, at 10:30 am Saturday, November 19 with Visitation at the church beginning at 9:30 am.

Alleta was pre-deceased by an infant daughter, Karen Louise; her parents Allen and Cleta Ecord; and a sister Pat Ecord Baker.  Survivors include her husband, Don, and six children and their spouses: Bryan (Lou Ann), Jan (John), Stan (Lynn), Bev (Rich), Donna (Doug), and Susan (Kevin).  Also surviving are 22 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Alleta is also survived by a brother, Elwood Ecord, and a sister, Mickey Barrett.

Alleta graduated from Topeka High in 1948 and Kansas State in 1952.  She was a wonderful homemaker for her family until the youngest daughter was in junior high, at which time she took education classes at University of St. Mary to become a certified teacher.   Alleta taught first and third grades at Xavier Catholic Schools in Leavenworth for 12 years.

Alleta was always interested in helping children with special needs.  While teaching she took night special education courses at KU in Johnson County.  After retirement her favorite volunteer activity was with Head Start.

Though Alleta was always supportive of Don and family, she was also fiercely independent.  This was evidenced by her solo Elderhostel hiking trip to England.  Alleta also did a solo camping trip to Colorado/Wyoming and overnight camping at Weston Bend park, oftentimes with grandchildren.

One of the greatest family honors was being named Honorary Parents at Kansas State University in 1984 after nomination by their K-State children.

With so many family members in healthcare, Alleta chose to have her body donated to K.U. Medical Center for education and research.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Kansas State University Foundation 1800 Kimball Ave., Suite 200 Manhattan, KS 66502-3373 or the University of St. Mary 4100 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048 or Kansas City Hospice 9001 State Line Rd. #300, Kansas City, MO 64114.