Author: alynloya

Motorsports lost a great one in August. Jessi Combs, 39, died when the North American Eagle jet car crashed during a run on an Oregon dry lake. Known as the “Fastest Women on Four Wheels” for her 4-wheel record of 398 MPH, she was an energetic and always positive ambassador for motorsports, both 4-wheel and 2-wheel. She appeared on episodes of Monster Garage and Overhaulin’, then went on to Host Xtreme 4×4, All Girls Garage, Mythbusters and The List. She had a class win at the King of the Hammers and a podium finish in the Baja 1000. She was the first women to be the Grand Marshall at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and first women to compete in The Race of Gentlemen.

Jessi has driven the North American Eagle as fast as 483 MPH (one-way run) and was attempting to surpass Kitty O’Neil’s record speed of 512 MPH. She is an irreplaceable asset to the motorsports community and will be greatly missed.

This week, we lost a great friend and long time member of the Slammers. Ellis E. Kendrick, 70, of Liberty, MO. passed away July 16, 2019 at the University of Kansas Medical Center. The Mass will be said at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 22^nd, at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Blue Springs, MO. Visitation will precede the Mass from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Sensational Hope or Pawsitive Tails.

He served over 40 years as a public school educator and administrator in various districts in Kansas and Missouri. and ultimately retired from Glendale Elementary School in Independence, MO.

After retirement, his passion was model cars, resin sculpting, and spending time with his family, and his two dogs, Zoe and Maisie. Ellis joined the Slammers in 2006 and has been an asset to the club ever since.

Ellis was always the joker of our group and his antics will be missed. He had such a wit, humor, and brightness about him that cannot be replaced. A real cornerstone member of the club. Seems like only yesterday that he was with us, spreading good cheer and friendship. Ellis leaves a legacy of smiles. You may remember him as the longstanding Master of Ceremonies at our annual Heartland Model Car Nationals. He was our ace announcer, fortified with a gifted wit and the ability to talk to one and all he met.

Memories of Ellis and condolences may be left at Meyersfuneralchapel.com.