Obituary
John Steven (Steve) Carruthers of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away Sept 27, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family. He was a devoted and committed husband, a proud father of two boys, father-in-law, grandfather of six, and the truest example of humility, kindness, and faith.
Steve was born January 15, 1951 in Fairfield, IA to Willard and Evelyn (Burkett) Carruthers and was raised the middle child with siblings: Sue, Charlotte, Dick, Darrell, Fred, Dan, & Deb. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Charlotte Overstreet, his brothers Dick and Darrell Carruthers, brothers-in-law Potter Overstreet and Craig Gilchrist, his sisters-in-law Lynn Woodruff and Martha (Korkee) Carruthers, and his nephew Rollie Overstreet.
Steve attended Van Buren Community High School in Keosauqua, IA where he was known for his love of baseball and devastating curveball. After graduating in 1969 Steve studied accounting at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. During college Steve worked full time for Montgomery Ward and was soon selected for their Management Training Program. Steve married Nedra Woodruff in 1974 and two years later, they opened the doors to J. Steven’s Menswear in West Burlington, IA. Followed by a second location in Downtown Burlington, IA a few years later. J. Steven’s Menswear was always noted for their distinguished and classic menswear styling, consistent with their Founder. Steve poured his entrepreneurial spirit and Midwest work ethic into these businesses for the next 10+ years. In February 1979 Steve and Nedra welcomed their first son Zach, followed by Jake in February 1981.
In 1986 the young family relocated to Blue Springs, MO where Steve worked in financial planning and insurance prior to developing a successful management consulting practice serving the healthcare industry. Later in life Steve, once again applied his entrepreneurial grit when he was tapped to start-up and lead the Consiglio Wellness Center; a facility with a mission to provide high-quality and approachable healthcare to faculty and staff of the Blue Springs and cooperating School Districts. The Center flourished under his leadership. His legacy endures with a thriving entity enjoyed by many to this day.
Steve built his life on hard work, integrity and devotion. Whether in the office, in the backyard, or lending a hand to a neighbor or his sons, he gave his all in everything that he did and never asked for anything in return. His work ethic was unmatched – and his heart was always open and generous to those around him.
A lifelong baseball and sports fan. Steve took pleasure in teaching and coaching young athletes. His sons could attest there was always a particular focus on putting in the extra work, always giving your best effort; and winning and losing with class. Always with class. Those lessons of grace, grit, and perseverance were to be applied explicitly in life as well.
His heart—steady, humble, and true.
Above all else, Steve was deeply devoted to his beloved wife Nedra, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage marked by unwavering love, faith, and commitment. Together, they built a family and a life that reflected the best of who he was. Steve touched countless lives in his humble, welcoming way. He served in various leadership roles for the church over the years and devoted 35 years to leading adult bible studies. In addition to family and faith, Steve’s passion for music led him to join ensemble and church choirs. He spent several years with the Kansas City Barbershop Chorus singing bass, tenor, and lead. Some of his favorite selections include Wild Irish Rose, Ain’t She Sweet, Keep America Singing & I’ll Fly Away…
Steve leaves behind his wife, Nedra, their two sons, Zach and wife Katie, Jake and wife Carly, six grandchildren – Violet, Bennett, Hugh, Solon, Cal, & Crosley – and a legacy of faith, love, respect, and integrity that will live on in the countless lives that he touched.
Services will be held at Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church on October 4th, 2025 with visitation at 10:00 AM followed by memorial service at 11:00 AM. Celebration of life 3:00 – 5:00 PM at The Missouri Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the LLCUMC Baseball Fund.
Steve will be forever missed, but more importantly he will be forever remembered and forever loved by his family and those with whom he shared friendships throughout his life.
To make memorial contributions in Steve’s memory to the LLCUMC Baseball Fund, please do the following:
Check Payable To: LLCUMC Baseball
Memo: Baseball fund donation
Address: Lotawana Community United Methodist, 28901 E Colbern Rd, Lake Lotawana, MO 64086
Condolences
Visitation
Lake Lotawana, MO 64086
Services
Lake Lotawana, MO 64086
Nebraska, so sorry for your loss of Steve. He was a very good man and will be missed by many.
I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Sending hugs and prayers to all of the family.
From the SE tip of Iowa, our huge Tweedy family sends hugs and love to Nedra and the boys. Any in-law who can suffer through our annual reunion…is a superb human being. God will take care of you all; faith over fear.
From Elaine, one of Nedra’s 35+ Tweedy cousins
The final and ultimate tribute for a mortal life well-lived is to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Congratulations, Steve!
Looking forward to more insightful conversation, snappy repartee and adventures together throughout eternity in paradise.
I will always remember Steve as my brothers and I played he and his family in a highly competitive baseball game, in their yard in Keosauqua.
When Steve had J Stevens Men’s Wear he enlisted my 2 small sons, Jon and Ben, to model suits and clothing along side the Community College Blackhawks basketball team. He and Nedra were always happy to see and get together with my family, Joan, Jon, and Ben. He will be missed by all of us.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Steve was a good man who loved God, family and his neighbors and friends. He will be missed. Prayers will continue for Nedra and his family.
Zach and Jack I’m so sorry to hear about your father. Ann & I
Had the great pleasure of going to Zach’s wedding and meeting your Dad
& Jack …. We were blown away at the Wedding and seeing how close you brothers and Dad were.
Ann & I talked about it quite a bit
I’m sure it all came from your Dad. God bless him.
Paul
Our condolences to Nedra, their sons, grandchildren, and the rest of the Carruthers family. I lift you all up in prayers for comfort and peace. My parents were especially fond of Steve, often saying they were his #1 fans. Nedra, I considered him as a close friend and, although our paths didn’t cross often throughout the years following high school, I will miss him dearly. My love to you, Nedra.
Bobbie Boyd
Nedra and family, ours hearts break for you on the loss of your beloved Steve. We send our love and prayers for you and all who knew and loved him. He will be missed.
Nedra and family,
Steve was always one of my favorites in our Heart of America Chorus. His enthusiasm was contagious and his talent was exceeded only by love for singing — a hard combination to beat!
I regret I was not able to attend the service. But you and your family are in our prayers.
Thinking of you,
Jim Bagby
HOA Director; bari Rural Route 4
Nedra: Linda and I are extremely saddened to hear of your loss! It has been many years since we have had any interaction but you and your wonderful Husband Steve and your sons left a lasting of an extremely beautiful Family. My brief memories of Steve were of great guy, a class act and lucky man to have such a beautiful family. He will live on in you, your family and your friends hearts forever. He will be deeply missed.
Our deepest sympathy
Terry and Linda Martens
OMG. So very very sorry. I’m so glad he and I got to catch up over the past several weeks. We had been talking and texting. I can’t believe it. Lost one of the really good guys. Our deepest condolences to the family Love and prayers from the Larsons and a former J Stevens employee. Russ and Lucinda