About Us

L.O.S.S. | A Letter From Joe

On December 8, 2021, I experienced a pain like I had never experienced before when I lost my wife, Kathy. We had just celebrated 36 years of marriage together. The following March found me in a deep grief and praying to God to help lead me through this journey of grief. I didn’t realize that God had a plan, on the order of his promise of Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

I was introduced to a local grief program where I devoted my time to the class and the workbook that was provided. Later that summer, I got an idea to host a Widow and Widower picnic. Kathy and I have been blessed with a large piece of land which includes a large home and office building and I felt this was a perfect location for the picnic. The picnic was a success and the dream God had given me of creating a retreat for Widows and Widowers was born. These dreams included picnics, Holiday dinners, game nights, bonfires, Bible studies, and other events to host any Widow or Widower. Meanwhile, I have since been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and am on hospice. Thanks to my family and friends that share my vision, L.O.S.S. is moving along at great speed. Your prayers and donations are much needed as the ministry grows. God willing, we can all see my vision of L.O.S.S. become a reality and help other Widows and Widowers along the lonely journey of adapting to being without their spouse.

~ Joe Tracy, Founder of L.O.S.S.

Welcome To L.O.S.S.​

Loss of Spouse Sanctuary (L.O.S.S.) is a compassionate community dedicated to supporting individuals who have experienced the profound loss of a spouse. Located in St. Joseph, Missouri, L.O.S.S. offers a Christ-centered environment where widows and widowers can find solace, understanding, and rejuvenation.

Membership and Eligibility

Membership at L.O.S.S. is exclusively available to individuals who have lost their spouse by death. For the purposes of membership, a “spouse” is defined as a partner in a legally recognized marriage. This criterion ensures that all members share a common experience, fostering a supportive and empathetic community.

Support

L.O.S.S. provides a space where individuals can relax and readjust to life after loss. Emphasizing a Christ-centered approach, L.O.S.S. integrates spiritual support into programming, recognizing the importance of faith in coping when a life of “we” becomes a life of “me.”

Member Involvement

Opportunities are available for Members to actively participate in the L.O.S.S. community as they are ready to do so, by attending events, volunteering, or contributing in other meaningful ways. Those who wish to support the L.O.S.S. mission financially can do so through donations to help provide ongoing support for individuals grieving the loss of a spouse.

Contact Information

For more information, individuals can contact L.O.S.S. by phone or text to (816) 343-4898. The L.O.S.S. team is available to answer questions about L.O.S.S. membership and programming.

MEMBERSHIP INFO

L.O.S.S. Board Of Directors

Ryan Byous - Board Chair & President | L.O.S.S.

Ryan Byous
Board Chair and President

Valerie Bilecki
Vice President

Barbara Kelly
Secretary

Deann Young
Treasurer

Deb Lyons

Charles Hayes

Karen Dreyer

L.O.S.S. Staff

Pamela Cone
Executive Director

Sonya Tannheimer
Front Desk Assistant

Donation To L.O.S.S.

Make a donation to support L.O.S.S. and provide support for those grieving their spouse. You may select from the amounts listed or you may choose a custom amount.

Donors can deduct contributions they make to L.O.S.S. under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code, because L.O.S.S. is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code. Donors should consult their tax advisors for advice on the tax impact of donations specific to their tax status.