Verna Earlene Davenport

Verna Earlene Davenport, known to many as Earlene, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, in Independence, Missouri, after a brave three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 86 years old.

Born on July 11, 1938, in Wichita, Kansas, to Richard T. Haught and Lois (Mahan) Haught, Earlene lived a life defined by warmth, connection, and faith. She never met a stranger—her kindness and bright smile naturally drew people in, and she had a gift for making everyone feel welcome.

She worked for many years in grocery retail chains across Kansas and Texas, especially enjoying roles in deli service and at the coffee bar. Later in life, she volunteered at First Baptist Church of Olathe, Kansas, and at the Olathe Medical Center gift shop.

Earlene found delight in crafting, studying her Bible, chatting with friends and family, and enjoying a good movie—especially Disney classics and “good” westerns. She even wrote and published a book (thanks to a dear friend) called “Taffy: The Best Puppy”. Above all, she loved people.

She is survived by her son, Richard (Sondra) Christiansen of Independence, Missouri; her grandchildren, Casey (Joe) Lopez of McKinney, Texas, and Spencer (Melissa) Christiansen of Overland Park, Kansas; and nine great-grandchildren: Joe, Tessa, Christian, Max, Grace, Logan, Jace, Kaden, and Garret. Earlene was a treasured presence in the lives of her extended family, her many friends, and her church community.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Davenport; her mother, Lois Haught; her father, Richard T. Haught; and her brother, John Haught.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to all who supported Earlene during her illness, especially the caregivers and friends who walked alongside her with love and compassion. Earlene’s legacy is one of love, joy, and human connection. She leaves behind a world made brighter by her presence and hearts forever touched by her kindness.

A celebration of Earlene’s life will be held at a future date at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Independence, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the church or to a cancer research foundation of your choice.