Dawn Elaine Easley

Dawn Elaine (Guttridge) Easley, 62, of Independence MO, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus December 21, 2023 at 5:05 pm, surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband, Howard Easley, Children - Phillip and wife Jenna, of Kansas City; Patrick of Independence MO; David and wife Emma of Independence MO; her sister Pat Otto and husband Roger of Zephyr Hills FL; Sister Nel Brotherton and husband Richard of St Joseph MO; plus numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Dawn was born August 15, 1961 to David and Shirley Guttridge, in Independence MO. She graduated from Raytown High School in 1979. Dawn earned 2 bachelor degrees, 1 in Administration of Justice and 1 in Elementary Education, from the University of Missouri Kansas City, and had Special Ed certification.

Education is where her passion lay. She served in the field of education for nearly 30 years. Dawn served the Raytown, Grain Valley, and Odessa school districts working with students on reading, as a 2nd grade classroom teacher, then assisting special education students, and finally as a middle school Computer Literacy teacher. In addition, she was an assistant debate and forensics coach for Grain Valley High School.

In addition to serving in schools Dawn also served children and adults, for nearly 15 years, half-time or part-time, for Mid-Continent Public Library. Dawn’s deep passion was to make a difference in people's lives.

Dawn was a long-time faithful member of Beacon Free Will Baptist Church, in Raytown MO. She served in numerous capacities, including as a children’s Sunday School teacher. After Beacon closed, she became a member of Central Church in Grandview. Her cancer limited some the ways she could serve Central, but she was faithful in attendance, when health allowed, and was loved and appreciated by her Central family. Her Facebook updates, during her 3 year battle with cancer, lifted up the name of her savior and lifted those who were facing difficulties; as she put her fate in His capable hands. She is now enjoying life in His presence without pain, worry, or sorrow.

Dawn has been blessed with lifelong friends, as well as friends made at the library and each school district. She had an infectious smile and lifted people around her. She will be missed.

Visitation is 6-8pm Dec 28, 2023. Funeral is 10am Dec 29, 2023.

Both the visitation and funeral will be at Central Church 3200 Blue Ridge Ext, Grandview MO. Dawn will be laid to rest at Floral Hills Cemetery, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd in Raytown MO, following the funeral service.