Monika (Mader) Easterly, born on May 3, 1953, in Hanau, Germany, passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, on September 20, 2024. She was 71 years old.

At the age of 5, Monika moved to the United States after the death of her parents. She grew up in Kansas, graduating from Medicine Lodge Junior-Senior High School. Monika attended York College, where she formed many lasting friendships.

For most of Monika’s adult life, she was a dedicated homemaker who loved her family deeply. She was very involved in her children’s lives, spending countless hours doing crafts, playing games (except Monopoly after that particularly unfair game in 1993), reading books, and forcing her daughters to go to yard sales. A devoted member of the Church of Christ, Monika was always involved and especially enjoyed teaching children’s Bible classes. She was also very proud of her work with the Lost and Found Grief Center, the Mothers of Preschoolers group, and various homeless outreach organizations.

For the past nine months, Monika bravely fought a battle with breast and lung cancer, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience throughout her journey. Even in her final days, her infectious laughter, playful sense of humor, and compassionate heart continued to bring joy to her daughters, extended family, and friends. In true Monika style, her very last request in life was to listen to Kenny Rogers with her daughters.

Monika is survived by her children Laura Easterly, Rachel Bible (Michael), and Stephanie Easterly (John); her grandchildren; her siblings Gabi Meadows (Ron), Roger Mader (Jenni), and Toni Wohler (Steve); and her red cookbook (which is no longer missing). She was preceded in death by her daughter, Megan Easterly; her parents, Wilhelm and Maria Mader; her foster parents, Donald and Mabel Hamm; and her sister, Solwieg Maxie. Monika’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on October 5th at the Sunset Church of Christ, located at 1222 W Sunset St, Springfield, MO 65807, with a potluck meal to follow (we promise to return your Tupperware). Guests are encouraged to share stories of love, happy memories, and laughter!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Megan Easterly Chemistry Scholarship at Harding University.

Monika’s life was a gift to all of us, and she will be dearly missed.

PS – Mom, the content of this obituary was written with absolutely no fighting – Love you, beat you.