Michele Marie Dunlap

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE Michele Marie Dunlap October 31, 1960 – February 02, 2025 Michele Marie Dunlap passed away on February 2, 2025, in Independence, MO. She was born October 31, 1960, in Kansas City, MO to Gary and Barbara Dunlap. She grew up in Dodge City, KS and Hillsboro, MO, and graduated from Hillsboro Senior High School. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology/Rehabilitation Function from Central Missouri State University, Michele became a community support worker specializing in helping patients with mental illness overcome substance abuse. Michele described herself as “a people person and an eagle.” The eagle symbolizes strength, courage, freedom, leadership and a connection to the spiritual realm. Throughout her life, Michele’s primary focus was on assisting others and making the world a better place. At heart, she was a teacher, guide, and healer. Michele was a devout Christian who also engaged in Native American spiritual practices and Japanese energy healing techniques. She was a member of Contemporary Christian Ministries, Jesus Lifts, and Walnut Grove Community of Christ Church. She volunteered for H.A.R.T. Ministries, a non-profit organization that serves the homeless as well as Native Americans. Michele became a certified Reiki Master in 2005. Michele volunteered for the City of Independence Emergency Preparedness division from 2014-2022, as a Community Emergency Response Team trainer and as a member of the Emergency Operations Center Management Team. Michele was a talented actress, vocalist and musician who played drums, guitar, and trumpet. She was in community theater productions – including Hello, Dolly!, Sweeney Todd, etc. - and was a member of Son’s Light, a Christian vocal group. Michele loved animals and nature. She was happiest when camping, visiting wildlife refuges and zoos, and traveling. Michele also enjoyed board and card games, Chief’s football, and TV shows/movies featuring strong female protagonists. Michele is survived by her wife of 19 years, Donna Scherer, parents Gary (Pat) Dunlap and Barbara Dunlap (James) McCurdy, sister Jody Scott, and stepsisters Lori (Brian) Parrot and Jennifer Jacobo, as well as a host of loving friends and relatives. She was preceded in death by brothers David (Jane) Dunlap and Michael Dunlap, and stepbrother Michael Shrunk Dunlap. Michele’s Celebration of Life will be 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Shelter Nine, Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs, MO. A ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. with the rest of the time for fellowship. We will serve cake and bottled water and ask that you bring your favorite snack and/or non-alcoholic drink to share, because Michele loved snack time! If you find picnic benches uncomfortable, please bring a lawn chair or cushion as well, We look forward to seeing you! In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Lynn Marie Norris.

Michele Marie Dunlap

October 31, 1960 - February 2, 2025