Daina L. Little (Larimore)

Daina L. Little, was embraced by the Lord Monday, June 21, 2021. She was 76 years old. Daina was born to Wilford and Mildred (Limmings) Larimore on February 23, 1945, in Kansas City, MO.

After graduating from Westport High School in 1963, She met the love of her life, Walter Little, while working at the Jones Store. It took a little encouragement from her fellow co-workers but she finally said yes to the kind Veteran who came in often to repair their cash registers, who couldn’t resist to keep asking for one date. They married November 7, 1970. They spent many of the early years of their marriage camping and enjoying the great outdoors, a past time she has always enjoyed since childhood. From this beautiful union, they had 2 daughters, Amy and Sarah.

While Daina worked she also attended Penn Valley and achieved her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education, a cause that she very much believed in, with her whole heart. When Walter decided to rejoin the military, she supported him and her family whole heartedly. Often leaving special notes tucked in pockets wishing love, safety, friendship, and the Lord’s protection. There was never any doubt in her family’s mind of the support and love Daina provided. Daina was a wonderful artist with a vast array of mediums; from painting, to crafting to her remarkably beautiful penmanship, Daina was a woman of many talents. She was a remarkable seamstress and made many of her daughter’s clothing when they were young. Daina had amazing faith, and to call her a humanitarian would be an understatement. She was truly the Lord’s servant. With her faith, drive and love of all children she threw herself into uplifting and guiding the communities youth any way she could. Also known as “Little Mrs. Little” with her kids at Head Start, a name she carried proudly knowing it was used with love, despite her petite size and her name she was anything but little, she was a driving force to be reckoned with for those in need. She loved all her kids at head start, with them on her mind always praying and teaching and making sure they had a little magic around each holiday.

Daina retired from the Independence School District after 25 years, and still serving other’s called to her. She was very active in her church heading up events, teaching Sunday school, VBS, Social Ministry Club, Room Parent and again gained a loving nickname of “The Art Lady”. She was Chair of the Human Care Board for 5 years finding those in need and even helping delivering food to others in the community. Daina and Walter started working with the local police department volunteering time to make sure those who were troubled knew they were worth so much more.

While doing all of this, Daina was a huge support and very involved with her daughters and grandchildren’s lives, spending time with them was her very favorite thing to do, she even made time for Max and Ruby, her beloved pups, who adored their “walks” in the park in their dog stroller.

Daina was preceded in death by her parents, Wilford and Mildred and her brother-in-law, Michael Maturo. She is survived by her adoring husband of over 50 years, Walter Little; her 2 daughters Amy Davenport (Justin Weigil), Sarah (Mark Sherman) Sherman; 4 grandchildren, Tyler Johnson, Hannah Sherman, Isabella “Izzy” Davenport, Haley Sherman; sister Nancy Maturo; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. As Daina was a breast cancer survivor, donations may be made in her honor to the Susan G. Koman Foundation.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday June 29, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. and a funeral service to take place 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 30, 2021, both taking place at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64050, with a private family graveside to follow.

“These things I warmly wish for you…. someone to love, some work to do, a bit of sun, a bit of cheer, and a Guardian Angel always near.”

Daina may not be with us here but her love, legacy, and the impact she made in world will never cease.