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Martha Comment, President
Martha is an athlete who loves biking, travel, tennis and workouts. She is an excellent organizer and co-chaired Wine & Roses. She volunteers for Symphony League and for Saint Luke’s Hospital Hospice House. Martha is a Garden Groomer and serves on the Garden Committee. Retired from her career as a clinical social worker and therapist, Martha enjoys time with her grandchildren.
Martha is an athlete who loves biking, travel, tennis and workouts. She is an excellent organizer and co-chaired Wine & Roses. She volunteers for Symphony League and for Saint Luke’s Hospital Hospice House. Martha is a Garden Groomer and serves on the Garden Committee. Retired from her career as a clinical social worker and therapist, Martha enjoys time with her grandchildren.
Kandi Murphy McCasland, Vice-president
Originally from Oklahoma, Kandi has lived in Kansas City for 25 years. She holds a BS degree in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Oklahoma State University. She is a small animal veterinarian. She returns to the board after serving three terms from 2002 – 2011, during which time she initiated the KCRS’s Children’s Program, served as Chairman of the Memory and Friendship Rose program and worked as a garden groomer. Parents of teenage twins, she and her husband, Mark, have been KCRS supporters for many years. An avid gardener, she participates as a competitor in the KCRS Rose Shows. She is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Kansas City Missouri and a Perennial Partner of Powell Gardens.
Originally from Oklahoma, Kandi has lived in Kansas City for 25 years. She holds a BS degree in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Oklahoma State University. She is a small animal veterinarian. She returns to the board after serving three terms from 2002 – 2011, during which time she initiated the KCRS’s Children’s Program, served as Chairman of the Memory and Friendship Rose program and worked as a garden groomer. Parents of teenage twins, she and her husband, Mark, have been KCRS supporters for many years. An avid gardener, she participates as a competitor in the KCRS Rose Shows. She is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Kansas City Missouri and a Perennial Partner of Powell Gardens.
John Riley, Secretary
An American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian, John is active growing roses, exhibiting roses and answering our rose questions. John has served two terms on the Board and as our Garden Chair, Secretary, and Roses in Review Chair. A mechanical engineer, John designed power plants and communication data centers for Black & Veatch for 37 years. He is also an Eagle Scout, a Lyric Opera supporter, a volunteer usher at the Folly, and cheers on Sporting KC.
An American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian, John is active growing roses, exhibiting roses and answering our rose questions. John has served two terms on the Board and as our Garden Chair, Secretary, and Roses in Review Chair. A mechanical engineer, John designed power plants and communication data centers for Black & Veatch for 37 years. He is also an Eagle Scout, a Lyric Opera supporter, a volunteer usher at the Folly, and cheers on Sporting KC.
Sean Huges, Treasurer
Sean is a CPA who has worked as an auditor and financial consultant in both the Chicago and Kansas City offices of Ernst and Young. Currently, he manages special accounting projects for Kansas City Southern Railways. Sean is an active member of the Kansas City and Missouri CPA Societies. He enjoys training for half marathons on long runs through Loose Park and is quickly becoming an avid golfer. He lives within walking distance from the Rose Garden with his wife Liz and dogs Margo and Millie.
Sean is a CPA who has worked as an auditor and financial consultant in both the Chicago and Kansas City offices of Ernst and Young. Currently, he manages special accounting projects for Kansas City Southern Railways. Sean is an active member of the Kansas City and Missouri CPA Societies. He enjoys training for half marathons on long runs through Loose Park and is quickly becoming an avid golfer. He lives within walking distance from the Rose Garden with his wife Liz and dogs Margo and Millie.
Maria Coughlin
Born in Europe, raised in Australia and a resident of Kansas City for almost 50 years, Maria is wife to Joseph, mother to two sons, Samuel and Andrew, and nana to seven grandchildren. Now retired, she was a medical Social Worker at Children’s Mercy Hospital for 35 years. For almost a decade she also resettled 600+ Soviet Jewish emigres. She is a community activist and always a peoples’ advocate, having learned from her parents to leave this world a better and more beautiful place. Maria is a proud recipient of the KC Beautiful Award, “The George,” for her work on their neighborhood residential garden and is a volunteer groomer for the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden. Her hobbies include building miniature houses, knitting, needlepoint, gardening, reading, traveling, and hosting her monthly women’s poker group.
Born in Europe, raised in Australia and a resident of Kansas City for almost 50 years, Maria is wife to Joseph, mother to two sons, Samuel and Andrew, and nana to seven grandchildren. Now retired, she was a medical Social Worker at Children’s Mercy Hospital for 35 years. For almost a decade she also resettled 600+ Soviet Jewish emigres. She is a community activist and always a peoples’ advocate, having learned from her parents to leave this world a better and more beautiful place. Maria is a proud recipient of the KC Beautiful Award, “The George,” for her work on their neighborhood residential garden and is a volunteer groomer for the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden. Her hobbies include building miniature houses, knitting, needlepoint, gardening, reading, traveling, and hosting her monthly women’s poker group.
Betsy Beasley
Our past treasurer has always been active in the arts and education. She served as President of Parents Association and as Clothesline chairperson at Pembroke Hill, and has served in officer positions on the boards for Kansas City Literacy, The Writers Place, and the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. She currently volunteers on other boards including UMKC Emeritus College, and the Cockefair Chair Advisory Board. Retired from UMKC, Betsy stays busy with continuing education classes, travel, reading, and is a part time bookkeeper for Soodie Beasley Appraisals.
Our past treasurer has always been active in the arts and education. She served as President of Parents Association and as Clothesline chairperson at Pembroke Hill, and has served in officer positions on the boards for Kansas City Literacy, The Writers Place, and the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. She currently volunteers on other boards including UMKC Emeritus College, and the Cockefair Chair Advisory Board. Retired from UMKC, Betsy stays busy with continuing education classes, travel, reading, and is a part time bookkeeper for Soodie Beasley Appraisals.
Laura Dickinson
Laura is a passionate rose grower and Consulting Rosarian for the American Rose Society. She has a special interest in easy-care landscape roses, and her motto is: Roses are easier than tomatoes! She is also an Extension Master Gardener, and was the Volunteer Coordinator for the Johnson County EMGs for 10 years. Laura has volunteered several years for our Rose Show and is now co-chair in training! When not gardening, Laura enjoys the KC Symphony and other musical events. She sings in the William Baker Festival Singers and with her church choir.
Laura is a passionate rose grower and Consulting Rosarian for the American Rose Society. She has a special interest in easy-care landscape roses, and her motto is: Roses are easier than tomatoes! She is also an Extension Master Gardener, and was the Volunteer Coordinator for the Johnson County EMGs for 10 years. Laura has volunteered several years for our Rose Show and is now co-chair in training! When not gardening, Laura enjoys the KC Symphony and other musical events. She sings in the William Baker Festival Singers and with her church choir.
Lauren English
Originally from Oklahoma City, Lauren has lived in the Kansas City area for 35 years. She holds a BS degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas. She returns to the board after serving three terms from 2001 to 2007. During that period she served as Board Secretary, Publicity Chairperson for 75th Anniversary, and Trophy Chair. Lauren and her husband, Richard, have been KCRS supporters for many years and are Lifetime Members. Her passion for growing roses began with her paternal grandmother. She has grown roses of all varieties for 20 years and has competed in the KCRS Rose Show for 17 years. Lauren and Richard have three grown children, one son-in-law, and two granddaughters. Lauren hopes to pass on her love of roses and the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden to the next generation of her family and the metropolitan and regional community.
Originally from Oklahoma City, Lauren has lived in the Kansas City area for 35 years. She holds a BS degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas. She returns to the board after serving three terms from 2001 to 2007. During that period she served as Board Secretary, Publicity Chairperson for 75th Anniversary, and Trophy Chair. Lauren and her husband, Richard, have been KCRS supporters for many years and are Lifetime Members. Her passion for growing roses began with her paternal grandmother. She has grown roses of all varieties for 20 years and has competed in the KCRS Rose Show for 17 years. Lauren and Richard have three grown children, one son-in-law, and two granddaughters. Lauren hopes to pass on her love of roses and the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden to the next generation of her family and the metropolitan and regional community.
Ann Greene
A lifelong Kansas City resident, Ann has a degree in journalism with a support in photography from Creighton University. She is a groomer for the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden, an Extension Master Gardener in Kansas City, has served on the Kansas City Track Club Board, and volunteered with SafeHome. Currently, she is a Big Sister to Riya in Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City. Ann and her husband, Jim, enjoy hosting dinners for international visitors and friends through Global Ties KC. Her hobbies include cycling, running, knitting, cooking, baking and gardening.
A lifelong Kansas City resident, Ann has a degree in journalism with a support in photography from Creighton University. She is a groomer for the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden, an Extension Master Gardener in Kansas City, has served on the Kansas City Track Club Board, and volunteered with SafeHome. Currently, she is a Big Sister to Riya in Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City. Ann and her husband, Jim, enjoy hosting dinners for international visitors and friends through Global Ties KC. Her hobbies include cycling, running, knitting, cooking, baking and gardening.
Jim Holswade
Before retiring as a professional mechanical engineer, Jim spent twelve years as a project manager, primarily for data center design and construction projects, for Black & Veatch. While at B&V, Jim was an active mechanical team volunteer in the Christmas in October program. He and his wife, Johanna, have been garden groomers since joining the Kansas City Rose Society in 2018. They have two grown children. Jim also enjoys reading, pheasant and quail hunting and golfing.
Before retiring as a professional mechanical engineer, Jim spent twelve years as a project manager, primarily for data center design and construction projects, for Black & Veatch. While at B&V, Jim was an active mechanical team volunteer in the Christmas in October program. He and his wife, Johanna, have been garden groomers since joining the Kansas City Rose Society in 2018. They have two grown children. Jim also enjoys reading, pheasant and quail hunting and golfing.
Judy King
Judith was born and raised in Salina, Kansas, educated at Marymount College and moved to Kansas City in the early 1980’s. She has been a volunteer in many charitable organizations that support the city’s arts and institutions, including the KC Ballet, the Kansas City Museum, the Symphony and the Lyric Opera. Since retiring from the special events company she owned for 20 years, Judy has become interested in genealogy research, painting, photography, and garden design. The garden she has designed and developed over the last several years, brings much joy and serenity to her family and friends.
Judith was born and raised in Salina, Kansas, educated at Marymount College and moved to Kansas City in the early 1980’s. She has been a volunteer in many charitable organizations that support the city’s arts and institutions, including the KC Ballet, the Kansas City Museum, the Symphony and the Lyric Opera. Since retiring from the special events company she owned for 20 years, Judy has become interested in genealogy research, painting, photography, and garden design. The garden she has designed and developed over the last several years, brings much joy and serenity to her family and friends.
Betsy Parker
Betsy has lived in Kansas City for 24 years, having grown up in Cincinnati. She and husband Geoff have lived and worked in a number of towns and cities over the years, starting in Boston and moving west with each subsequent move. She has two grown sons and a 1 ½ year old grandson. Betsy is an avid, though not always successful, gardener and has, she says, much to learn about roses. Betsy and Geoff consider The Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden to be almost part of their front yard and treasure it. She looks forward to learning much more about the garden and to promoting it in her neighborhood and beyond.
Betsy has lived in Kansas City for 24 years, having grown up in Cincinnati. She and husband Geoff have lived and worked in a number of towns and cities over the years, starting in Boston and moving west with each subsequent move. She has two grown sons and a 1 ½ year old grandson. Betsy is an avid, though not always successful, gardener and has, she says, much to learn about roses. Betsy and Geoff consider The Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden to be almost part of their front yard and treasure it. She looks forward to learning much more about the garden and to promoting it in her neighborhood and beyond.
Margie Paxton
Margie studied Art History and Journalism at Northwestern University, completing a senior-level marketing program at Stanford University, and received a B.A. in Business Administration and a Master of Journalism - Integrated Marketing Communications degrees. She worked at Frank Paxton Company; Shughart Thompson and Kilroy (Polsinelli); and KCP&L (Evergy). Margie volunteers at KU Medical Center and serves on the SPARK (Senior Peers Actively Renewing Knowledge) Curriculum Committee. She has prepared the Rose Society quarterly newsletter for several years and served as a groomer.
Margie studied Art History and Journalism at Northwestern University, completing a senior-level marketing program at Stanford University, and received a B.A. in Business Administration and a Master of Journalism - Integrated Marketing Communications degrees. She worked at Frank Paxton Company; Shughart Thompson and Kilroy (Polsinelli); and KCP&L (Evergy). Margie volunteers at KU Medical Center and serves on the SPARK (Senior Peers Actively Renewing Knowledge) Curriculum Committee. She has prepared the Rose Society quarterly newsletter for several years and served as a groomer.
Linda Rostenberg
Linda has lived in Kansas City since 1972. She and her husband Richard live across the street from the rose garden, so being a garden groomer was an easy decision. She has been a writer and editor for newspapers, magazines, books and advertising agencies, and was vice president of member and public relations and communications for many years for the world’s largest women’s association, Beta Sigma Phi. Together, the Rostenbergs owned the first video store in Kansas City, Hollywood at Home; she also ran her own advertising agency. Linda enjoys volunteer work for Lead To Read, Harvesters, Alvin Ailey and The Nelson-Atkins Art Museum.
Linda has lived in Kansas City since 1972. She and her husband Richard live across the street from the rose garden, so being a garden groomer was an easy decision. She has been a writer and editor for newspapers, magazines, books and advertising agencies, and was vice president of member and public relations and communications for many years for the world’s largest women’s association, Beta Sigma Phi. Together, the Rostenbergs owned the first video store in Kansas City, Hollywood at Home; she also ran her own advertising agency. Linda enjoys volunteer work for Lead To Read, Harvesters, Alvin Ailey and The Nelson-Atkins Art Museum.
Joan Taylor Sherman
Joan’s professional career began as a clinical microbiologist in St Louis. After obtaining her MBA, Joan was recruited by Marion Labs where she worked in research, marketing, and professional & government relations. Joan has served on many national and local boards ranging from Girl Scouts, St Peter’s School, American Geriatric Society, American Society for Microbiology, American Society for Aging, UMKC Women’s Mentor Program and more. A former KCRS board member, she held various committee chairs, Vice President of Membership and served as President . She is now serving as our Board Development Chair. In addition to KCRS, Joan volunteers for the Shawnee Mission School District and Heart to Heart International. Joan loves to be busy with her family, dogs, gardening, cooking, sewing arts and reading.
Joan’s professional career began as a clinical microbiologist in St Louis. After obtaining her MBA, Joan was recruited by Marion Labs where she worked in research, marketing, and professional & government relations. Joan has served on many national and local boards ranging from Girl Scouts, St Peter’s School, American Geriatric Society, American Society for Microbiology, American Society for Aging, UMKC Women’s Mentor Program and more. A former KCRS board member, she held various committee chairs, Vice President of Membership and served as President . She is now serving as our Board Development Chair. In addition to KCRS, Joan volunteers for the Shawnee Mission School District and Heart to Heart International. Joan loves to be busy with her family, dogs, gardening, cooking, sewing arts and reading.
R.T. “Taylor” Smith,
Taylor is an award-winning designer and illustrator. His work has been featured nationally by iconic taste-makers like Vanity Fair, Lincoln Center and Yale University. He grew up in southern Missouri, the heart of the Ozarks, and took root in Kansas City in 2011. Locally, he is active in the nonprofit sector and is passionate about the preservation and growth of Kansas City’s landscape. Taylor has worked with the Kansas City Ballet, the Kansas City Star, 435 Magazine, the National World War I Museum and Memorial, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, and Starlight Theatre. He is currently the Director of Communications for the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce.
Taylor is an award-winning designer and illustrator. His work has been featured nationally by iconic taste-makers like Vanity Fair, Lincoln Center and Yale University. He grew up in southern Missouri, the heart of the Ozarks, and took root in Kansas City in 2011. Locally, he is active in the nonprofit sector and is passionate about the preservation and growth of Kansas City’s landscape. Taylor has worked with the Kansas City Ballet, the Kansas City Star, 435 Magazine, the National World War I Museum and Memorial, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, and Starlight Theatre. He is currently the Director of Communications for the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce.
Julie Spaeth
Julia and her husband moved to Kansas City in 1977. An elementary education teacher, she taught in both private and public schools in Kansas City, Missouri. In 2015, Julia retired from her teaching career and became a groomer in the Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden in Loose Park. She learned a great deal about growing roses and the work of the Kansas City Rose Society. She joined the KCRS Board in 2017, working on Children’s Programs. Julia and her husband have two grown sons and three wonderful grandchildren.
Julia and her husband moved to Kansas City in 1977. An elementary education teacher, she taught in both private and public schools in Kansas City, Missouri. In 2015, Julia retired from her teaching career and became a groomer in the Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden in Loose Park. She learned a great deal about growing roses and the work of the Kansas City Rose Society. She joined the KCRS Board in 2017, working on Children’s Programs. Julia and her husband have two grown sons and three wonderful grandchildren.
Marylou Turner
Marylou and her husband moved to Kansas City after graduating from the University of Kansas where she majored in mathematics. After teaching for seven years and completing an MA degree at UMKC, she retired to do private tutoring in math and volunteer work. Volunteer activities have included Auxiliaries and Board of the Kansas City Symphony, Auxiliaries of the UMKC Conservatory, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Vanderslice Committee of the Kansas City Art Institute, Woman’s City Club and its Foundation, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the League of American Orchestras Volunteer Council and her sorority locally and nationally.
Marylou and her husband moved to Kansas City after graduating from the University of Kansas where she majored in mathematics. After teaching for seven years and completing an MA degree at UMKC, she retired to do private tutoring in math and volunteer work. Volunteer activities have included Auxiliaries and Board of the Kansas City Symphony, Auxiliaries of the UMKC Conservatory, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Vanderslice Committee of the Kansas City Art Institute, Woman’s City Club and its Foundation, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the League of American Orchestras Volunteer Council and her sorority locally and nationally.
