Kay Waynette Dunham

Kay Waynette (Jones) Dunham, age 88, of Nixa, passed away on February 21, 2026. She was born April 19, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Wayne Wyatt Jones and Ella Frances (Phillips) Jones.

Kay graduated from Shawnee Mission High School in 1955, where she was a member of the Future Nursing Association. She went on to be part of the first class to graduate from the Kansas University Medical Center with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Kay devoted most of her life to caring for children, people in the church, and serving as a nurse, including her time in the St. John's Hospital system.

On June 20, 1959, she married the love of her life, Jim Dunham, and together they celebrated 66 years of marriage. Kay was a woman of deep faith with a servant’s heart. She was actively involved in many ministries throughout her life, including many years with Backyard Bible Club.

Kay was known for her warmth and hospitality, always welcoming family and friends into her home. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She loved nature and traveling, especially family car trips across the United States. She was a devoted prayer warrior and volunteered her time both spiritually and medically. Above all, she loved Jesus and her family.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Dunham; her children, Laura Lokovich, James (Claire) Dunham, and Christy (Joe) Schmitt; her siblings, Curtis (MeiLin) Jones, Marilyn Hatfield, and Linda (Roger) Cooper; her grandchildren, Chris (Misty) Lokovich, Aaron (Sarah) Lokovich, Eric Lokovich, Benjamin (Kaelea) Lokovich, Daniel (Becca) Lokovich, Jessica (Dillon) Hughes, Jonathan Dunham, Jordan Dunham, Shiloh Schmitt, Anna Schmitt, and Abigail Schmitt; and her great-grandchildren, Jacob, Adilynn, Esther, Evie, and Logan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son-in-law, Gary Lokovich, and her brother-in-law, Zester Hatfield. Kay will be remembered for her deep faith in Jesus, her servant’s heart, and the deep love she had for her family and all who knew her.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Healing River Worship Center – 265 Oak Ridge Rd, Walnut Shade, MO. Visitation starts at 9:00 am, and the Service will start at 10:00 am

Flower arrangements are appreciated, or if you prefer, you can make charitable donations to the following ministries: Globe International Ministries - 8590 Hwy 98 West, Pensacola, FL 32516 info@globeintl.org or

Healing River Worship Center (Missions) 265 Oak Ridge Rd, Walnut Shade, MO 65771

Healingriverworship.org

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa and cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory.