Mary Adeline Easterling

Mary Adeline Easterling, 8, of Junction City, passed away Friday, November 25, 2016 in the arms of her parents, due to complications from chemotherapy treatment. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in August 2014. She was in remission September 2014, and has spent the past two years undergoing countless chemotherapy treatments and battling various side effects like a little Rockstar.
Mary was born July 2, 2008, to David and Kimberly (Allred) Easterling and joined her older brother and sister William and Ruth. Her brother is her hero and her sister is her best friend.
Mary was a first grader at Sheridan Elementary school, where she could probably name every person in her class and then some. She spent her school years surrounded by incredible educators, loving aids and dedicated therapists. She loved to hum and dance, swing at the playground, put puzzles together and watch her Disney movies; she especially loved Minnie Mouse. She loved to go to Freddy's for a Strawberry ice cream or to Sonic for a Strawberry slushy. Many were drawn to Mary for her infectious smile and fun and feisty personality, she made friends wherever she went.
On her recent 8th birthday, Mary was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was always quick to volunteer to offer prayers, and loved to sing Primary songs. Mary has taught us to have more compassion and to give love freely. Traits that emulate the Savior Jesus Christ. We believe, through Him, we will once again see her and hold her. We put our faith in our Savior's plan, while we may not always understand His plan we know it is a plan of love.
We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love, prayers, and support that we have received from family, friends, and the entire community. We are humbled by the love we have felt from numerous staff throughout USD 475, specifically the staff and students at Sheridan Elementary and the Early Childhood Center. We would also like to thank the doctors and nurses at KU Medical Center Pediatric Intensive Care for their incredible and attentive care of both Mary and our family during her stay there.
Mary is survived by her parents, David and Kimberly, her brother and sister, William and Ruth. Her grandparents Jerrie and Karen Easterling (Junction City, KS) and Val and Susan Allred (Hidden Valley Lake, California). And numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 2, 2016, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1705 McFarland Road Junction City, KS. Burial will follow the service at Highland Cemetery. A visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday, December 1, 2016, at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home 203 N. Washington Street Junction City, KS. A visitation will be 9-10:15 a.m. prior to the funeral service at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to be given to https://www.gofundme.com/driving-little-miss-mary

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