Burna Dean DeWitt

Burna Dean DeWitt, 98, of Sedalia, passed away Friday, October 17, 2025.

She was born April 7, 1927, in Benton County, daughter of the late Arthur I. and Maud (Dickerson) Chancellor. On September 6, 1964, in Sedalia, she was united in marriage to Homer W. DeWitt, who preceded her in death on January 31, 1977.

Burna Dean was widowed while her children were still young, yet she faced life’s challenges with remarkable strength and devotion. She worked more than 20 years as a school bus driver for the Smithton School District, all while caring for her family and managing the family farm.

Surviving are her children, Linda Skutnick (Eddie) of Smithton and John W. DeWitt (Jenifer) of the Caribbean; four grandchildren, Felicia Brown, Amber Fillicetti, Jacob DeWitt, and Joseph DeWitt; and six great-grandchildren, John Brown, Luke Brown, Jesse Brown, Nevaeh Brown, John Fillicetti and Myles Fillicetti.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two siblings, A.I. Chancellor and Betty Venable.

Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Heckart Funeral Home, with funeral services to follow at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Donnie Hayworth will officiate.

Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Children’s Mercy Hospital, in care of Heckart Funeral Home.