Death and Dying

A photo of a museum exhibition. At the left of the photo, a mannequin stands with a light yellow gown and a white veil over its head. The veil is peppered with light brown floral prints. On top of the mannequins head is a crown of prairie grass. To the right of the mannequin with the gown, and in the center of the photo is a coffin cover. The cover depicts an angel in a blue gown with white wings. She is depicted standing in the prairie, covered in prairie flowers. Off to the right side of the photograph is a mannequin lying flat, covered in a blue burial garment.

K-State Professor Designs Biodegradable Garments for Sustainable Deathcare

By Julie Freijat | November 1, 2024

A professor at Kansas State University aims to tackle that question in a new exhibition on green burial practices. Sherry Haar, fashion studies professor, designed several garments and textiles for burial made from natural fibers and dyes. Haar said she hopes to start a conversation about green burial practices. The exhibition is available to view…

Why You Might Want to Donate Your Brain to Science

By Ellen Ryan, Next Avenue | June 14, 2024

Organ donor programs do not include brains, creating a tissue shortage that impedes research into Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and concussions.

KC Cemeteries Adapt to Changes in Dealing with Death

By Bill Tammeus | May 26, 2024

Kansas City cemetery operators are adapting to changes in how we deal with death. The biggest challenge is maintaining burial grounds of those who came before.

Mother and daughter, Jazmin Marmolejo and Erika Gaitan carried a supply of decorations to a site in Northeast Kansas City this week, items that they used to create a tribute to the memory of Victor Marmolejo, their son and brother.

Grappling with Grief During Día de los Muertos

By Mary Sanchez | November 3, 2023

Día de los Muertos as a festive, yet reverent Memorial Day. Some local Mexican Americans embrace it to honor loved ones lost to crime and violence.

A mother and two children sitting in the grass.

More People Opting for End of Life Alternatives

By Donna Apidone | May 12, 2023

Ten states permit end of life via Medical Aid in Dying. Why do patients request to end their lives early, and how do medical providers make sure they mean it?

A woman walking on a beach with the sun setting behind her.

I’m a Solo Ager and I’ve Hired a Death Doula

By Erica Manfred | March 31, 2023

Erica Manfred, diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, hired a death doula to help her navigate the complexities of dying.

Visitors to Elmwood Cemetery can examine thousands of grave markers and monuments.

Historic Elmwood Cemetery Honors Those Above and Below the Sod

By Brian Burnes | September 30, 2022

Kansas City’s historic Elmwood Cemetery’s 150th anniversary will be celebrated from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the cemetery at 4900 E. Truman Road.

A series of posts, or bollards, marks the formerly segregated section of Fairview Cemetery in Liberty, where more than 750 individuals are believed to be buried, many of them in unmarked graves.

Memorial Honors Hundreds of Black People in Liberty’s Unmarked Graves

By Brian Burnes | June 10, 2022

The Liberty African American Legacy Memorial honors 761 Black people who have been confirmed to be interred, mostly in unmarked graves, in the formerly segregated sections of two cemeteries in Liberty.

Life and Death: KCPD Struggles to Answer 911 Calls

By Mary Sanchez | June 2, 2022

Nearly one in four 911 call-taker jobs are unfilled in the Kansas City Police Department, which is struggling to keep up with incoming emergency calls for service.