Megan Sue Easterly

Megan Sue Easterly, a 9 pound, 5 ounce bundle of joy, was born 1:29 AM in Springfield, MO, October 2, 1984 to Terry Easterly and Monika Mader Easterly. She passed away about 4:45 AM, May 12, 2012, in Fort Collins, CO at the age of 27 years, 222 days, after a well fought battle with brain cancer. She was the third of four sisters, Laura Easterly, age 33, of Colorado Springs, CO, Rachel Easterly, age 30, and Stephanie Easterly, age 19, both of Strafford, MO. She grew up near her paternal grandparents, Joe and Dorothy Easterly, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, on the family farm near Fair Grove, MO. She attended Fair Grove School, grades K-12 where she graduated in 2003 as Salutatorian. Megan then enrolled at Harding University, Searcy, AR where she graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She excelled academically in her chosen field of chemistry and received various distinctions, awards and commendations. She participated in a joint Harding-NASA space research program, and was able to travel to and participate in various out of state scientific conferences. Harding also provided her with an excellent environment and opportunity to grow spiritually and relationally with the Lord. She excelled in this facet of her life as well. Megan also spent one summer of her Harding experience at the University of AR in Fayetteville engaged in work and research. Upon graduation from Harding, she was accepted into the Chemistry doctorate program at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. She moved there and promptly undertook her studies, but at about this time began experiencing nerve pains in her arm. After several months, Megan was finally diagnosed with spinal cord tumors in 2008 and then with cancer in 2009. Despite two major spinal cord surgeries, both from which she was up and walking within 24, hours, a later surgery to implant a shunt to alleviate the effects of radiation-induced hydrocephalus, multiple rounds of radiation treatments, regular chemo treatments, numerous trips down to Denver for MRIs, doctor visits and follow-ups, Megan refused to abandon her studies. She passed her orals in February 2011, and continued to work towards her dream of obtaining her Ph.D. There was never a time when Jesus and church was not an integral part of Megan's life. She grew up attending the Strafford Church of Christ, where at a young age she put on Christ in baptism. It was her strong desire for a Christian education that led her to follow in the steps of her older sisters and attend Harding University. Upon moving to Fort Collins she was blessed to find a new church family in the Meadowlark Church of Christ congregation which proved to be a true and mutual, "balm in Gilead." Megan was a bottle of sunshine, a breath of roses, a spring of fresh water, as well as a fountain of laughter, smiles, encouragement, helpfulness, concern, and enthusiasm. Spiritually her life was one that radiated love for God, family and friends, faith in Christ, and a walk in the Spirit. Her cancer blog, http://meganeasterly.blogspot.com has been an inspiration to an unknown number. She loved to stay in touch with family and friends via Facebook and often posted pictures of her most recent trip, family get together, etc. Her life exemplified Christ daily and her death has in no way silenced it. Megan was preceded in death by her paternal grandpa, Joe Easterly; maternal grandparents, Karl and Kathrine Mader, whom she was never privileged to meet; and foster grandparents, Donald and Mabel Hamm. She is survived by her paternal grandma, Dorothy Easterly of Strafford, Missouri; her parents; her sisters; 19 cousins, 3 nephews, 1 niece who carries her first name, Megan Sophia, several aunts and uncles, and a host of friends and prayer warriors, some of whom she never has met, scattered across America and throughout distant lands and continents. Megan's physical presence with us will be greatly missed but her absence in the flesh now only gives birth to her presence in spirit which will always live on in our hearts. IF heaven could be improved upon, her entrance there would surely do so. A favorite game of Megan's, which she came up with when still but a child was "Love You, Beat You." The idea was to think to say it to someone before they would think to say it to you. "Love You" Megan!!! But this time you definitely "Beat" us. Go in peace dear child, sister, aunt, cousin, friend. See you soon! With all of our love!!!! XOXOXOXOXOxoxoxoxoxOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO Two memorial services will be held: Colorado service will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Meadowlark Church of Christ, 2810 Meadowlark Dr., Fort Collins, CO. Missouri service will be held at 2:00 p.m.on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at East Grand Church of Christ - 2220 E Grand St., Springfield, MO 65804. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the following: Megan Easterly Chemistry Scholarship fund at Harding University we are still working on details for this, and will provide more information once it is set up. Humane Society of Pulaski County Where Megan's aunt, Sharon Morris serves on the board of directors 14600 Colonel Glenn Road Little Rock, AR 72210 Online donations can be made at: http://www.warmhearts.org/ Lost and Found 1006 N. Cedarbrook Ave. Springfield, MO 65802 Online donations can be made at: http://www.lostandfoundozarks.com/

Tributes

Megan Sue Easterly

May 16, 2012 - May 12, 2012