compassionate professionals
Our Staff
Our team includes extremely dedicated and compassionate professionals. Our staff values our community and is active in local organizations. We are involved in numerous community events throughout the year including many charity fundraisers. We are strongly committed to the community, as we are to each family we serve.

Family First
We believe families experiencing a loss are our number one priority.
Compassion
Our staff offers compassionate support while guiding families through loss.
Integrity
Our staff shows integrity by handling every detail with honesty and respect.

Steve Pierce
President / Funeral Director

Steve Pierce
President / Funeral Director
"Each funeral is an opportunity to paint a picture of a life and a way to capture the essence of someone you love."

Nicole Pierce
After-Care Specialist

Nicole Pierce
After-Care Specialist

Helen Skradski

Helen Skradski
Former owner with Matt J. Skradski and Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1985.

John Anaya
Funeral Director

John Anaya
Funeral Director
John was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. He grew up in the St. Cyril and Methodius Parish and graduated from J. C. Harmon High School.
John started his career in funeral service after graduating from the Kansas City Kansas School of Mortuary Science in 1994. He is happy to be back in his hometown serving the local community.
In his spare time, John enjoys traveling, going to Royals games, and spending time with family. He has been married to his wife, Bridget, since 2000 and they make their home in Shawnee.

Jenny Mertes
Director of Community Relations

Jenny Mertes
Director of Community Relations
Jenny received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and came to us with many years of experience in human resources and small business accounting, in addition to extensive volunteer community service.
Jenny also serves as secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 189. She is a member of Ladies Charity.

Mary Brenner
Advanced Planning Director

Mary Brenner
Advanced Planning Director
Mary grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated from the University of Kansas. She has more than 30 years of experience serving clients in the employment and insurance industries. Her daughter is her pride and joy. Mary enjoys spending time with family and friends, mowing, playing card and board games, and reading.

Walter Carpio
Maintenance

Walter Carpio
Maintenance

Debbie Vitt
Administrative Assistant

Debbie Vitt
Administrative Assistant
Debbie was born and raised on a dairy farm in Southeast Kansas with 1 brother and 9 sisters. She worked in banking for a few years before getting married and moving to the Kansas City area. She continued her career in banking along with having and raising a family. Her four adult children are all married, and she has two granddaughters. In 2026, she decided to no longer work full time and found Skradski Funeral Home. Debbie finds it very rewarding to help families in their time of need.

