
Kristin Jody Gleason, 50, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away Monday, March 3, 2025. Memorial services will be at the John Gano Memorial Chapel, William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Born on September 17, 1974 in Kansas City, Missouri, Kristi was a natural-born leader whose strength, gusto and unwavering commitment to personal growth and mindfulness touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
Kristi was the cherished mother to Gunner Robert Burch, Lane Matthew Burch and Karlee Jo Burch. The first-born daughter to Carla Gleason and the oldest sister to Karee Gleason-Miller, Kacy Hutton (Gleason), David Lewis Gleason and Dustin Gleason. Kristi was the most revered aunt and she adored all of her nieces and nephews.
As a high school student at Oak Park High School in Kansas City, MO, Kristi was fundamental to the student council all four years, leading the student body as President her Senior year of high school. After high school, Kristi attended William Jewell College where she participated in the Pryor Leadership program, wrote for the student paper, was a student in the Oxford Exchange Program, and ventured into the wild as an adventurer in the Outward Bound outdoor leadership program.
After college, Kristi cherished her time as a mother. True to herself always, Kristi excelled as President of the PTA at her children’s school. She also continued her passion for leadership and motivating others as a facilitator at the Tucker Leadership lab at William Jewell College and as an Outward Bound alumni chaperone. She held a vital role managing her father’s law firm at Northland Legal Services and was the beloved office administrator at Briarcliff Elementary School in the North Kansas City School district where she touched the lives of every student, staff and teacher who met her.
Kristi’s final years were spent at her most dearly loved Serenity on the Square teaching yoga and following her truest passion – the journey for inner peace. Inspired by her self-journey, she began teaching yoga and meditation – creating a space where people could come together to cultivate peace and mindfulness. Through yoga, she learned to embrace life’s challenges and joys with grace – letting go of judgment and self-doubt and replacing them with acceptance and love for herself.
Kristi was first diagnosed with cancer when she was 32 and, true to her core, she gathered her fortitude, summoned her courage and found strength to fight. When Kristi’s cancer returned in 2014, she was determined to fight even harder. But this time she was wiser. She knew herself better. She knew she had to fight using the power of contentment and serenity. She understood that true strength came from within. But understanding this was merely a first step – her true quest was to apply the knowledge and authentically trust in herself. Her story was one of strength, awakening, positivity and release.
During this time, Kristi set out on her “Keep Living Adventures” traveling to Italy, spending time with her children, family and friends attending concerts, traveling on vacations and enjoying life by experiencing it with her most loved people. Kristi wrote:
“Put purpose and meaning in everything – feel a connection – which brings me happiness and that happiness radiates from my chest –clearing out those things which hold me back. When I do, I am lighter and more open to receive.”
LOVE – PEACE – ABUNDANCE – GRATITUDE – LIGHT
Always moving forward…
Kristi is preceded in death by her father, David Monroe Gleason. She is survived by her cherished children, Gunner Robert Burch, Lane Matthew Burch, Karlee Jo Burch; her mother, Carla Gleason; her siblings Karee Gleason-Miller (Charles), Kacy Hutton (Jeff), David Lewis Gleason (Hannah); Dustin Gleason (Alexandra); her adored nieces and nephews Claire Swiss, Holly Swiss, Chip Miller, David Gleason, Olivia Gleason, Hendrix Gleason and Dexter Gleason.
Again, memorial services will be at the John Gano Memorial Chapel, William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Flowers are welcome and may be sent to the home of Carla Gleason at 2417 NE 107th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64155.
Or in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to NorthCare Hospice House, 2800 Clay Edwards Dr., North Kansas City, MO 64116 Donate – Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care
So beautifully written and so perfect for such a beautiful soul. She will be so greatly missed. Sending love and prayers to the entire family.
This is a beautifully written tribute. I wish I had known her. My heart goes out to you and your family Carla. Hugs.