Jayona Rader

     Jayona “Jay” Rader, age 68, of Queen City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025. She was born on February 17, 1957, to the late Robert Junior Searcy and Marjorie Lee (Newman) Searcy.

     Jay graduated from Southwest High School in Ludlow, Missouri, in 1977. She was united in marriage on November 30, 1979 and from this union two children were born.

     She was a beloved mother to Amanda (Gideon) Stewart of Novinger, Missouri, and Joshua Rader of LaPlata, Missouri. Her greatest joy came from being a grandmother to her cherished grandchildren: Taryn Stewart of Kirksville, Missouri, Gracyn, Lyndyn, and Taelyn Stewart of Novinger, Missouri, and Levi Rader of LaPlata, Missouri. Jay treasured every moment spent with them, delighting in sharing her love of cooking, baking, sewing, and reading.

     Throughout her life, Jay worked in various roles, but found her true calling as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Her gentle nature and deep compassion for others made her a natural caregiver. She touched countless lives with her kindness, offering comfort and support to those in their most vulnerable moments.

     Jay is also survived by her brother, Robert “Bob” (Jolene) Searcy as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sisters Deborah (Searcy) Anderson and Joyce (Searcy) Morris, and by her brothers-in-law William “Bill” Anderson and Edward “Bucky” Morris.

     As a child, Jay had a free spirit and a curious heart. She spent many afternoons walking along the train tracks near her family store, often visiting and offering food she had prepared in the hopes of sharing with the wandering train hobos who passed through town—an early sign of the empathy and openness that would define her life.

     After her health started failing, she went to Schuyler County Nursing home where she would be often found assisting the staff and other residents. She enjoyed multiple activities especially bingo day. In addition to the nursing home, she added more cherished members to her extended family through the Adair Co and Schuyler Co Ambulance District crews and the Dialysis Clinic Inc of Kirksville.

    Jay’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be remembered not only for the care she gave, but for the love she spread so freely. Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering devotion will never be forgotten.

     A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Heritage Funeral Home in Chillicothe, Missouri. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Utica Cemetery in Utica, Missouri.