Denice Danielle Gurley

Denice was beloved and cherished, remembered for her gentle way of being, her loyalty to those she loved, and a generous spirit that made others feel seen and cared for. Her great laugh could brighten a room, and her presence left a lasting comfort with family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know her.

Denice graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1971, and later attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Her steady dedication to community and learning shaped the life she built and the many people she would go on to serve with quiet consistency and care.

Denice devoted much of her working life to schools, beginning as a recess clerk at her son Kyle’s elementary school. She later worked in school offices for the next two decades, a familiar and trusted presence to students, families, and staff alike. As an administrative assistant, she was known for doing the morning announcements at North Kansas City High School—offering a dependable start to the day delivered with warmth, clarity, and the kind of calm that helped a school feel like a welcoming place.

Denice met Jon in the In-A-Tub parking lot, and they were together until his passing in 2008. Their life together included a shared enthusiasm for sports, and Denice’s devotion to the Kansas City Chiefs was a true and enduring joy. With their son Kyle, the family loved going on adventures—days at Worlds of Fun and outings to Royals games that became treasured memories and lasting traditions.

Denice’s care for others extended well beyond her home. She was deeply involved in the PTA and served as President, giving her time and energy with the same steady generosity that defined her life. She was also a member of the Touch Down Club, helping feed all the football boys—an act of practical kindness that reflected her belief in showing up for young people and for the community that surrounded them. Denice loved animals, and that affection spoke to the tenderness that ran through so much of who she was.

Denice was very loved and touched so many people. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she influenced through everyday acts of support, her dependable presence, and the sincere care she offered so freely. The family thanks everyone for the outpouring of support!

Denice is survived by her son, Kyle Jon Gurley; sister, Tricia Lynn (Pellet) Lyddon; brother-in-law, Stephen Ray Lyddon; niece, Lillian “Lilly” Renee Lyddon; and nephew, Quinn Montgomery “Monty” Ray Lyddon.

Donations may be made to Denice’s funeral memorial fund at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-kyle-gurleys-mothers-funeral

Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of the life of Denice. A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 27, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at White Chapel Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri, 64119.

Immediately following the visitation, a Celebration of Life service will begin at 4:00 p.m. Family members, friends, and all whose lives were enriched by Denice's kindness, warmth, and love are invited to attend as together we honor her memory, celebrate her life, and remember the lasting impact she made on those fortunate enough to know her.

A committal service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, at 1:30 p.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery 150 Muncie Road, Leavenworth, Kansas, 66048. Denice will then be laid to rest with her beloved husband, John, reuniting them in eternal peace. All are welcome to attend as final prayers are rendered and loved ones gather to pay their respects and bid a heartfelt farewell.

Though Denice will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her. Her legacy of love, devotion, and cherished memories will continue to be treasured for generations to come.

Though Denice will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her. Her legacy of love, devotion, and cherished memories will continue to be treasured for generations to come.