Dayona L. Rathke, age 8, of Blue Springs MO passed away peacefully on June 8, 2014 at Children’s Mercy Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 11, 2006 and attended James Walker Elementary School in Blue Springs. Dayona had a great zest for life and her memory will live in our hearts forever.
Dayona is survived by her parents, Dereck and Daya; brothers, Davian and Jaylen; sisters, Aleyaha, Maryaah, and Airana; paternal grandmother, Renita Rathke; maternal grandmother, Vickie Miller.
A funeral service celebrating Dayona’s life will be held 2:00 pm, Friday, June 13, 2014 at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St., Blue Springs, MO, conducted by Dr. Royce Miller (Uncle Tiny). Contributions in memory of Dayona may be made to Children’s Mercy Hospital, Department of Hematology and Oncology. Memories of Dayona and condolences for the family may be shared at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com.
I was greatly saddened to learn that Dayona had lost her battle with cancer. Even though I have not been a part of your life for these past 18 months, I have thought about her and you often. I don’t have to tell you how special she was and I can still see her great big smile. She never complained and truly took everything thrown her way. For such a tiny girl, she acted and behaved way beyond her young age. I know that you are very proud of her and your devotion to her through all these years has been exemplary. I hope you find peace and comfort and know that she will always be there with you. I am so sorry that I could not have been there full her full battle but am honored that I was allowed to be a part of your lives.
Blessings and Peace be with you now, and in your memories.
Dale Walkup
Member
Blue Springs School Board
May you forever rest in peace Dayona.We love and will miss you much you will forever be in our hearts and will never forget your strength and how you never let nothing stop you from living now you go on and live forever baby with Jesus auntie loves you always………
May your memories of Dayona’s strength and courage give you peace and strength during this time . Blessings to you and your family.
Kathy
We were all so saddened to hear about Dayona passing. we only knew her a very short time and in that short time she touched me with her courage. When she came down to play with Macy, she came inside a few times and asked if she could just “hang out” with me because all the other kids were running wildly outside. She was the sweetest thing and offered to help me clean up Macy’s room once, I’ll never forget her shy smile and sweetness in her eyes. RIP sweet girl.
Deepest heartfelt sympathies to Dayona’s family and all those whose lives she touched in her short time on earth. To say she was a special little girl would be a major understatement. Her strength, courage, zest, feistiness and heart will live on as an inspration to me and I’m sure to all who were blessed enough to know her. I am deeply saddened by her loss, but eternally grateful to have met her and that her long, hard, painful battle is over and she can finally enjoy the peace she so overwhelmingly deserves.
Miss Dayona,
Thank you for bringing me in to your wonderful family’s lives. You are a true kindred spirit. Though our time here was short, you will forever be my heart. From the day I first met you, your smile and big brown eyes melted me. I have never felt more at home than I do with your family. I truely believe that God brought us together for a reason. Thank you for touching our hearts and our souls. You are now at peace and can spread your wings and fly. You are greatly missed, and like I told you, Allie and I will keep watch over the rest of the bunch.
I wanted to say what a sweet little girl your daughter was. I subbed several times in Mrs. Browns room and Dayona always had a smile and hug for me. She was truely a special little girl. Even when I saw her in the halls at JWE always a smile . Her love of life and lasting memories will always be with you. Know that she is in Gods hands .
Dayona’s love of life and beautiful smile will be with me forever. She had such courage and was wise beyond her years. May your memories of Dayona bring you comfort and peace. Her presence will be greatly missed but forever remembered.
Taylor wanted to tell you that she misses you and you are her forever friend. She is happy you aren’t feeling bad anymore. She wants you to know her Grandma and Grandpa are in heaven and maybe you can meet them.
I would like to say that I’m very blessed to have met such a strong little girl with a huge smile. I’m glad I got to share some of the day with you at School of Economics. Watch over your family as they will need to feel your love during this difficult time. Blessings to all.
I’m the backyard neighbor and friend of the family that always got to talk to Dayona as she was on the swingset.
We talked about God, the colors pink and purple and of course Heaven. The Joy of the Lord was her strength and she glowed with it. She truly loved her family and her school. They all loved her back. We all love her and will never forget her sweet smile and beautiful face!
I don’t know if you remember me, but I was Davian’s Kg. teacher at Riverside. I am so sorry to hear about Dayona’s passing. She was a beautiful girl who gave so may joy. I just lost my husband on May 24th to cancer also. My heart and prayers are with you and please give Davian a hug from me.
Love, Mrs. Brown
I just found out that Dayona pasted away June 8th. I am so saddened to hear this. I also love this little girl. I held and rocked her and dance with he at my home and hospital. I only want to say I love you all and I will never. Not never forget you my brown eye beauitful baby girl or your brother or your sister. You will always live in my heart. All of you. Love you Nana Robin Deppe’