Ellen Mae Calcara, 94, Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2018, surrounded by family at Liberty Hospital. Visitation will be 10 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 16, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 6415 NE Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 64119. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Cemetery.

Ellen was born February 10, 1924, in Sedalia, MO, to the late James and Marie (Williams) Speaker. She met the love of her life, Jasper, in early 1941 and they married in September just prior to the beginning of WWII. While Jasper was away in the war in Europe, Ellen worked as a true "Rosie the Riveter", helping to assemble military aircraft. She enjoyed dancing and family vacation trips to southern California and worked many years in food service and hospitality at the Hotel President and the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Jasper "Jay" Calcara, in 2002; brothers Darrell and Earl; and sister Gladys. She is survived by her sons, James Calcara (Nadine), Gary Calcara (Mary Teresa); grandchildren, Tony Mike Calcara (Toni Michele), Theresa Rich (James), Phillip Calcara (Brenda), Jasper Calcara (Jessica), and Elaina Siegel; great-grandchildren, Anthony James "AJ", Isabella, Mia, Gianna, Angelina, Christopher, Sophia, and Caroline; sister, Mary Schmidli (Joe); special niece, Tammy Trimble; and many nieces and nephews.

The family offers a special thank you to Debbie Trimmer and the entire staff of Our Lady of Mercy Country Home in Liberty, MO, for their years of loving care.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com