Denise “Dee” Hooper Breedlove, 73, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, and went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on March 7, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Dee was the beloved daughter of the late Lloyd Collins Hooper and Mary Kunberger Hooper. From the very beginning, Dee lived a life rooted in faith, kindness, generosity, and love. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for, and her impact on the lives around her will continue to be felt for generations. She never met a stranger and could turn a conversation into a lifelong friendship.

Dee is survived by her devoted husband, Ken Breedlove. Dee and Ken met in 1973 while attending The University of Georgia and were married on August 23, 1975, at The First Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, friendship, and unconditional love. In later years, Dee and Ken often said, “We know we would marry each other every day,” a reflection of the enduring love and devotion they shared throughout their marriage.

She is also survived by her daughters, Sara Ellen Gladfelter (Joel) of Manchester, Maryland, and Anna Rebecca Breedlove of Kansas City, Missouri. Her greatest joy in life was being “Gramme” to her cherished grandchildren, Remington Collins Newth and Estella Rain Newth of Kansas City, Missouri, and Jude Arthur Gladfelter, Asher Harris Gladfelter, and John David “Johnny” Gladfelter of Manchester, Maryland. Nothing brought Dee more happiness than loving and encouraging her daughters and grandchildren and celebrating each of their unique gifts and personalities.

Dee is further survived by her sisters and lifelong friends, Pamela “Pam” Sue Lindsey and Mary Angela “Angie” Chandler, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whom she loved deeply.

Dee graduated from Richmond Academy in Augusta, Georgia, before attending the University of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in June 1975. Her studies focused on Fashion Merchandising and Design, reflecting her lifelong love of textiles, interiors, beauty, and creativity. In 1990, the University renamed the School of Home Economics to the College of Family and Consumer Sciences to better reflect its modern focus on nutrition, fashion, financial planning, and human development, areas that so beautifully mirrored Dee’s lifelong passions and gifts. She took pride in her craft, and her skill, care, and attention to detail could be seen in everything she made by hand. Dee maintained what could only be described as a true museum collection of fabric bolts and was known for her almost daily visits to Hancock Fabrics and Jo-Ann Stores. Family and friends could always count on Dee for last minute garment repairs, alterations, sewing projects, and thoughtful handmade touches that made everyday life feel special.

After graduation, Dee and Ken made their home in Athens, Georgia, where they welcomed their daughters, Sara and Anna, who quickly became the center of Dee’s world. In 1984, the family moved to Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, where they lived in a 150 year old stone farmhouse on three acres filled with gardens, chickens, and peaceful views of hot air balloons drifting over the nearby lake. From there, the family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1986, where Dee and Ken would continue building a beautiful life together while raising their family and creating a home filled with warmth, love, hospitality, and lifelong friendships.

Throughout her life, Dee worked in retail and design related businesses including JCPenney, Delmar Blinds, Norwalk, J. Jill, Casual Corner, Russell Stover Chocolates, and Medical Records at North Kansas City Hospital. She also spent time working with Young Life, where her warmth, encouragement, and love for young people naturally flourished. She especially loved helping others create beauty in their homes and lives.

For the last 20 years, Dee passionately built her business with Arbonne, where she formed lasting friendships and inspired countless women through her warmth, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Dee truly embodied the spirit of Arbonne and treasured the relationships she built with her customers and team members. She especially loved attending the annual conferences and was honored earlier this year in recognition of her 20 years with the company.

It was the life Dee lived daily that is most extraordinary and where she will be deeply missed. She always showed up with love and with an attention to detail that exemplified how well she cared. Dee created beauty, warmth, and celebration wherever she went. At home she was known as “Kitchen Barbie” for her dedication to creating wonderful meals and desserts. For birthdays she took pride in decorating beautiful cakes and crème brûlées that we will remember forever. She lovingly tended gardens, served as a Girl Scout leader, church and school volunteer, and mentor to countless children and friends throughout the years. Dee was deeply involved at Gashland Presbyterian Church, where she participated in Vacation Bible School, confirmation programs, and many acts of service within the church community. In more recent years, she and Ken had been regularly fellowshipping with the congregation at Jacobs Well Church. She also loved Kansas City’s vibrant food and art scene and treasured evenings spent exploring restaurants, art shows, and local events with dear friends and family.

Dee cherished gathering with extended family in the mountains of North Carolina, where annual family reunions created some of her most treasured memories. Dee contributed and modeled the love and connection that the Hooper family will long be known for.

Above all else, Dee will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her servant’s heart, her joyful spirit, and the deep love she poured into her family and friends every day of her life.

Dee’s life will be celebrated publicly, with details to be announced later this summer. 

Her family will also honor her privately in August in Tuckaseegee, North Carolina, surrounded by loved ones during their annual family reunion.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made in Dee’s name to Jacobs Well Church, 1617 West 42nd Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.