Anastasia Elizabeth WitbolsFeugen was born July 14, 1979 in Kansas City, Missouri, daughter of Robert WitbolsFeugen
and Elizabeth Edna (Betsey) Jung. She graduated from Lincoln College Preparatory Academy (Kansas City, MO) in May
1997, and enrolled at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Fall '97. At the time of her death, she was an employee
of the KCPT Store of Knowledge (an outlet for the local public television station) in the Country Club Plaza. Anastasia was murdered by Byron Case, an acquaintance and former friend, on the evening of October 22, 1997. He is now serving a life sentence for her murder. Anastasia's life was too painfully short to leave many accomplishments, but her death left an unfillable void in the lives of those she knew, and the shocking circumstances of her death have made the loss all that much more difficult to bear. Hers was a life much too brief.
She was Historian/Reporter for her high school's Latin Club (Junior Classical League), and wrote articles for the school's underground newspaper. She also wrote poetry, and some of her works have been preserved. It was a dream of hers to travel the world, but she never left the United States, traveling no further from her birthplace than the east and west coasts of this country.
She lived with her mother in Kansas City, MO until she was 17, and then, unable to live with her mother because of her stepfather's drug problems, she resided with her father in Independence, MO. During the summer of 1997 she lived with her then fiancé, Justin Bruton, but was again living with her father by summer's end, that being her residence at the time of her death. She participated in Star Trek conventions and public radio fundraisers, and supported such causes and organizations as free speech on the Web and Amnesty International. She was an avid internet user, a fan of the Beatles, the Cure, Souisie and the Banshees, Pinky &The Brain, Wallace & Gromit, the writings of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, and a host of other, equally eclectic tastes. To sample and enjoy some of Anastasia's favorite web sites, click on her links page. She was a member of the National Junior Honor Society and participated in Math Counts Competition and National Academic League when in middle school, and participated in Missouri State Latin competitions in high school.
Anastasia left behind her father, Robert Christiaan WitbolsFeugen of Independence, MO; her mother, Elizabeth Edna (Jung) Owens of Raymore, MO; her paternal grandmother (since deceased), Melanie WitbolsFeugen, of Hinsdale, IL, four younger sisters, Francesca, Katrientje, and Teminka WitbolsFeugen; and one half-sister, Emma WitbolsFeugen.She was also survived by two step-sisters and a step-brother.
Funeral services for Anastasia were held on November 1, 1997, at 11:00 AM at the Mt. Moriah and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO (816) 942-2004. A visitation was held that same morning. Anastasia's wish to be cremated was honored, and some of her ashes were inurned in Mt. Moriah Cemetery, while some have been scattered in Europe.
This was a horoscope done for her on October 19, 1997, three days before her death.
The family suggested memorial gifts to the Latin Club at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, 2111 Woodland, Kansas City, MO 64108, c/o Mrs. Suzanne Clizer.
Anastasia was much loved by her family and friends, and held in high esteem by classmates, teachers, and coworkers. Something precious has been stolen from our lives, and a bright light has been taken from us all. She will be missed forever.