11
trees
planted in memory of Dakota Rhea Pelkey-Goodson
Obituary for Dakota Rhea Pelkey-Goodson
Dakota Rhea Pelkey-Goodson, six months, born on December 19, 2023, passed away peacefully
in the arms of his loving parents on July 17, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.
Though his time with us was brief, Dakota Rhea brought immense joy and love to everyone
around him. He had a beautiful, contagious smile, bright blue eyes, and the happiest personality.
Sitting on his grammy’s lap, he would coo and read books for hours. His favorite was a pudgy
board book, Where Is Your Nose? by Laura Rader. He loved the outdoors and frequently visited
the Shawnee Mission Lake dog park with his pal, Ginger. Dakota Rhea would lay under the trees
with his legs propped up, gazing at the trees swaying in the wind. He loved to feel the cool
breeze on his face and body. He lay there for hours, as content as possible, just talking away and
rolling to his left side.
His vibrant young spirit touched the hearts of family and friends, leaving a mark that will forever
be cherished. Dakota Rhea is survived by his devoted parents, Shannon Nikki Pelkey and Dakota
C. Goodson, who held him close and smothered him with kisses throughout his life. He is also
survived by his grandparents, Billy and Lisa Pelkey, and great-grandmothers, Wanda Franklin,
Linda Pelkey, and Paulette Aistrop. He is survived by many doting Aunts and Uncles: Billy
(Shelby) Pelkey, Taylor (Saloni) Pelkey, Joshua (Tiffany) Ryun, Crissy (Ryne) Jackson, Vince
Goodson, Tyler Goodson, and Dylan Goodson. He is survived by seven cousins: Jesse, Mason,
Isabella, William IV, Sophie, Leo, and Cooper. Dakota Rhea was also survived by many
extended family and friends, including Matt Wickware, Robin (Pete) Sefzik, Suzanne Thompson,
Travis (Paula) Pelkey, Buffi (Brett) Loughery, Ninker (Julia) Pelkey, Tommy Gene (Danny)
Pelkey, and Emily Rose. Dakota Rhea was preceded in death by his great-grandfathers, George
Rhea Wickware Jr. (Dell), Richard A. Franklin, and William G. Pelkey.
On July 19, 2024, private services were held at Shawnee Mission Park overlooking the lake. The
family requests memorial donations to Kansas City Children’s Mercy Cancer Center, the Kansas
City Children’s Mercy Ronald McDonald House, or the Heartland Tree Alliance.
When tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here, in your heart.
~David Roman
To plant a tree in memory of Dakota Rhea Pelkey-Goodson, visit the Tribute Store.
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