Marie M. Vance, 88 of Independence, MO passed away, Thursday, August 25, 2011. Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO 64055. The family will greet friends from 7 to 9:00 p.m., Monday evening at the chapel. Donations may be made in her name to the St. Matthews United Methodist Church Building Fund 2415 RD Mize Rd. Independence, MO 64057 or in her daughter, Kathy Gillis’ name to the National Marfan Foundation 22 Manhasset Avenue Port Washington, NY 11050. Marie was born Sept. 25, 1922 in Levasy, MO to August H. and Ella K. (Ripperger) Sehrt. Marie met and later married Bill B. Vance on Feb. 21, 1941. After Bill returned from the service in 1945, they spent 2 years in Carthage, MO before moving to Independence where they spent the rest of their lives. She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker until their daughter, Kathy was in Jr. High school where she was active in the PTA and the DeKalb School. She then joined the workforce and held 2 jobs before going to work at Western Electric, where she retired in 1984 after 20 years of service. Marie was a charter member of the St. Matthews United Methodist Church where she was an active member and held many offices and did volunteer work for various organizations. She was also a member of AARP and the Telephone Pioneers Club. She is survived by; a daughter, Barbara McCurdy of Independence, MO; a son, Billy Vance of Concord, NC; 7 grandchildren, Michele Dunlap, Joetta Scott, David Dunlap, Michael Dunlap, Billy Bob Vance, Tracy Hernandez and Stephanie Stephenson; 5 great grandchildren, Bret Hernandez, Tony Hernandez, Jason Dunlap, Zachary Lee and Brandon Ramos; 3 great great grandchildren, Owen Hernandez, Remi Hernandez and Hunter Dunlap and her special friend, Althea Martin. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Vance on Jan. 30, 1989, her daughter, Kathy Gillis on Aug. 26, 1990, a brother, Alvin Sehrt, 2 sisters, Agnes and Verna. The family wishes to express their thanks to Jane Dunlap, Shantic and Maryanna of Integrity Home Care and the staff at Crossroads Hospice for their care in Marie’s final days. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements; Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)