Spencer Schere will be installed as the new chair of Friends of Sheffield Cemetery (supported through Jewish Community Foundation), as will the organization’s executive committee and committee at large, on March 26.
The installation will take place at the cemetery’s chapel, and the community is welcome to attend.
Schere’s family affiliation to the cemetery caused him to have a strong interest in keeping the Sheffield Cemetery grounds pristine. His entire deceased family is buried there, including his grandparents and parents. Dr. Edward Haith, Schere’s brother-in-law and the husband of founder and outgoing Chair Rickie Haith, also had his burial there two years ago.
Schere’s experience in the business world included holding the positions of president of Lone Eagle Auto Parts (a family owned business); past president of Radiator Express; past president of Greater Kansas City Automotive Dismantlers and Recyclers Association; and past president and vice president of Missouri Automotive Dismantlers and Recyclers Association.
Founder and current Chair Rickie Haith, chair from 2003 to 2023, will be honored and recognized on her retirement from Friends of Sheffield Cemetery. Haith spearheaded the successful “Restoring Honor Campaign,” helping Friends of Sheffield raise $1,250,000 to beautify, renovate and restore the landmark Sheffield Cemetery’s grounds and historic Sheffield Chapel. A rededication of the improved cemetery grounds and chapel was held in 2015.
Schere will be installed on Sunday, March 26, in the Sheffield Chapel at 2 p.m. (6200 Wilson Ave. Kansas City, MO).
The Friends of Sheffield Executive Committee includes Chairman-Elect Barbara Stras, Judy Lanes, Dion Lutzk and Elisa Pener.
Featured speakers at the event will include Rabbi Mark Glass of Congregation Beth Israel, Abraham & Voliner, and Lauren Hoopes, Jewish Community Foundation Executive Director, as installing officer.
The entire community is welcome to attend. In addition to the installation, there will be a presentation of the Pillar Plaque with the names of honorable donors inscribed. The donations of those featured on the plaque went towards the restoration of the cemetery’s stone pillars with the names of the Sheffield Cemetery’s founders engraved in 1901.
There will also be a presentation of three name plaques on pews from generous donors.
