Maisie Marie Cavanah, 71, Harrisonville, MO, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at Camden Health Care Center, Harrisonville. Funeral services 3:00 PM Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Faith Baptist Church, Harrisonville. Visitation 1:00-3:00 PM Saturday at the church. Burial in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville. Contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church Memorial Fund (kitchen project), P.O. Box 345, Harrisonville, MO 64701.

Maisie was born May 3, 1936 in Garden City, MO, the daughter of Seth Elmo and Zona (Patton) Gaston, who preceded her in death. She was a 1954 graduate of Garden City High School and received her Bachelor's degree from CMSU, where she pursued further higher education throughout her life. She was a dedicated teacher who loved her students and instilled in them a desire for learning, and she celebrated their many accomplishments. She touched countless young lives through her 35 year teaching career, beginning at age 19 at Smith Rural School with 41 children in eight grades. This was followed by teaching stints at Number Nine, Eight Mile, Raymore-Peculiar and her final 26 years in the Harrisonville Public Schools, prior to her retirement in 1992.

Maisie was baptized as a child at Garden City Baptist Church and was a devoted follower of her Lord, and a founding member of Faith Baptist Church in Harrisonville. She married the love of her life, Richard Cavanah, on August 22, 1958 at the Garden City Baptist Church, and was eagerly anticipating a celebration of their 50 years together. She had a passion for her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandson, and loved spending time with her family and friends. Prior to her disability from a stroke nine years ago, Maisie had enjoyed golfing and travel with the highlight being two wonderful trips to Australia. She also had many wonderful memories of trips to Bella Vista with family and friends and frequent visits to her grandchildren. She also loved to cook.

Maisie is survived by her husband, Richard, Harrisonville, MO; her daughter, Diana Propst and her husband, Tom, Bowling Green, KY; two sons, Herb Cavanah and his wife, Paige, Kettering, OH and Russ Cavanah and his wife, Sarah, Pleasant Hill, MO; granddaughter, Rachel Cavanah, Pittsburg, KS; grandsons, Joshua and Matthew Propst, Bowling Green, KY, Cole Cavanah, Kettering, OH; great-grandson, Blayke, Pittsburg, KS; sisters, Joyce Steele and Theresa Bryson, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Maisie and her unforgettable smile will continue to be loved and missed by her family and many friends. She has truly served as an example of a life well-lived, and we have all been blessed because she has touched our lives.