Molly Hope Bolton

Molly Hope Bolton was born August 7, 2006 and ran into the arms of her Savior August 1, 2021. Molly is the beloved daughter of Jason and Stephanie Bolton, and big sister to Joel, Quincy, Amelia, Titus and Hadley Joy; adoring granddaughter to Steve and Janie Davis and Richard and Judy Bolton; and doted-on niece to uncle Jon Bolton, uncle Casey Davis and auntie Lora Carver. Molly will be dearly missed by a huge fan club of therapists, service providers, and friends.

Molly entered this world in a tiny, but mighty way. She was born at 24 weeks gestation weighing just 1 lb. 1 ounce, and she spent the first 6 months of life in the NICU. From her very beginning, she was a fighter and it became quickly clear that her diagnosis of cerebral palsy would not stop her from being both tenacious and resilient. Her CP diagnosis, while a part of her life, did not define or limit her possibilities. Molly’s story took many twists and turns in her first years of life, but in November of 2013, she made it to her forever family.

Molly was a social butterfly in all settings. With four rambunctious siblings at home, there was always something happening, and Molly preferred to be right in the midst of the action. In the community, she was involved in a multitude of activities and even spent time as an advocate for other children with special needs. She explored horseback riding, played softball with Exceptionals Softball, danced in multiple recitals with A Time to Dance, and ran (rolled) track with the EJC Track Team. Molly loved participating in church activities including Sunday School, Children’s choir, youth activities and Vacation Bible School, receiving particularly special attention from Mrs. Judy, who made sure that Molly kept up with all her peers in whatever activity was happening. Molly was also an ambassador for other children with special needs and attended several events with Variety Children’s Charity throughout the community. She even attained local fame when Variety chose Molly to be pictured on a handicap parking reminder sign; her picture can still be seen hanging all over the city.

When Molly was not actively participating in extracurricular activities, she spent lots of hours working hard and learning at Marian Hope Center. Molly attended the center for many years, where she grabbed the hearts of therapists and classmates alike, who all encouraged her to achieve possibilities others may have said she would never be capable of. These same therapists spent countless hours providing additional therapy for Molly at home, as well. With their help, Molly was able to pursue many of the typical activities that tweens and teens enjoy. Molly found great joy in the hobby of cooking and baking and she especially liked watching Food Network. She was always ready to make crafts and would often use her muscles to get paint on those helping her! She was keenly interested in insects and was the first to spot a bug in any situation; even convincing others to capture the insects so she could hold them. She was quick to blast some upbeat music and was a big fan of the Trolls soundtrack. She loved to play freeze dance with her siblings using her communication device to start and stop the music (she knew how to fill the big sister role of bossing her siblings around!).

While Molly could not verbally talk she could say a lot to those around her using her communication device, facial expressions and body language. Was she ornery? Very. All of her teachers knew that if given the chance, Molly could sometimes be known to interrupt class with all sorts of silly phrases she would put together on her communications device…she loved to take the spotlight as class clown. She could also be a great encouragement to those around her; having even been known to cheer on Auntie’s violin solo with a yell in the middle of a church service. Molly’s infectious smile and laugh brought joy to many. She often wore her heart on her sleeve and was quick to display compassion, sensitivity and intuition far beyond her years. Molly Hope Bolton loved her family deeply and was a good friend to all that crossed her path; may sweet memories of good times spent together comfort the hearts of all who mourn her loss.

A visitation to honor Molly will be held on Thursday, August 5, from 6-8 p.m., with a funeral service the following day, Friday, August 6, at 10:00 a.m., both at Sycamore Hills Baptist Church, 15200 E. 39th Street in Independence, MO. The family would like to extend an invitation to all guests to balloon release in memory of Molly, that will take place immediately after the funeral service in the church parking lot. A graveside service will take place after the service, at 4:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Knox City Cemetery in Knox City, MO. All guests are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marian Hope Center, 4820 E 42 St S, Independence, MO 64055, or to Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City, 9400 N Congress Ave, Kansas City, MO 64153. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600).