Dr. Irma M. Rahtjen

Our mother, Dr. Irma Lea McCormac Evans Rahtjen, died peacefully at age 86 on May 30 in Rockford, Illinois after a long illness. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, she was the only child of George and Leona McCormac. Mom attended Southwest High School in Kansas City, Lindenwood College in St. Louis, and the University of Missouri at Columbia graduating with a degree in psychology and a minor in music. In 1952, she married John L. Evans, and they had three daughters: Carol Jeanne, Ruth Ann, and Laurie Susan.

She was a great mother and always there for us – scout leader, music task-master, chaperone, chauffeur, seamstress, cheerleader, and friend. She endured our tantrums, teenage years, and heartbreaks, and celebrated our successes, however large or small. She was always there with a shoulder to cry on and ready to share a laugh or a phone call. Mom was fiercely independent and raised all of us to be strong, resilient women.

Music was her life-long passion, and the flute was her instrument. She joined the Kansas City chapter of the Mu Phi Epsilon music fraternity in 1958, was a dedicated member, and enjoyed playing music with her colleagues.

In 1973, she married Bruce D. Rahtjen, and pursued her dream of going back to school. She completed a Master’s degree and PhD in Clinical Psychology at University of Missouri in Kansas City and began her career as a clinical psychologist in private practice, as well as a professor at UMKC. She loved working with her students and relished her role as a teacher and a mentor. Mom loved to travel and enjoyed many wonderful trips to Italy, England, France, Ireland, Alaska, and Greece. She was an avid reader and lover of cats and collector of teddy bears.

She leaves behind her daughters Carol Munro, Ruth Swanson (Stuart), and Laurie Evans; grandchildren Lauren Swanson (Krista Koehl) and Amy Bove (Peter); stepchildren Don Rahtjen (Monta), Nancy Wachter, and Jim Rahtjen (Kathy) and their families. In addition, she is survived by cousins Mary “Khaki” Westerfield and Martha Delmez.

A celebration of Irma’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1307 Holmes Street in Kansas City, MO. Memorial contributions to the UMKC Counseling Center may be made through the UMKC Foundation. Visit http://www.umkc.edu/umkc-foundation/ or send a gift to UMKC Foundation, 5115 Oak Street, AC 202, Kansas City, MO 64112. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com