Lauren Michelle Eager

Lauren Michelle Eager of Belton, Mo was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on July 21, 2004 to Justin Eager and Sarah (Jacobs) Eager.  She departed this life on September 13, 2022 at the age of 18.

As I sit and reflect on Lauren’s short life, it’s hard to write down all the things that made Lauren, Lauren. We all know she loved fiercely, she loved to love on people. She never knew a stranger, a trait that she most likely got from her Grandma Lou Ann. Whether in line at the grocery store or on vacation, she would strike up a conversation, “Hi, how’s your day going?” she always asked.  She loved to talk! Her hugs were over the top and you could feel that she was hugging with her whole heart. Lauren had a smile that would light up a room and an infectious laugh that went right along with it.  She loved to be the center of attention, as you would know if you have ever seen any of her tik toc videos. She loved to be silly and had some pretty killer dance moves. Her red hair and freckles made people jealous.  Lauren loved animals, especially dogs. We had 3 and all because of her. Her newest puppy, Charlie, was supposed to be her saving grace. I envisioned her as an adult, driving around, collecting stray dogs.  That’s who she was. She wanted to save everything; people and animals. Lauren loved crab legs. She could eat her weight in crab legs. She loved the beach. Her favorite thing to do was go  crabbing with Mark, after dark.  For years, she ate, breathed, and dreamt soccer.  Her soccer  nickname was Big Red. She loved her coaches and teammates and cherished those fun memories. Just recently, she completed high school. She was so happy and proud of herself for checking that off her list. We are so proud of her. She worked very hard, despite the obstacles  to achieve her diploma. She loved road trips. Music. Nick. Cooking. Our 3 dogs; Oliver, Molly, and Charlie. Dr. Pepper. And fishing. Anyone that knew Lauren would agree that her passion in life was children. She was truly “the baby whisperer” and babies and kiddos loved her back.  If she went somewhere and there was a baby in the room, she automatically passed everyone and went straight to the baby. She loved to babysit and often volunteered to do it, just for fun. Her dream was to one day open her own daycare and her niece, Ember, would have been first in line. 

Her sister and I would like to thank Preferred Family Healthcare, in Joplin, FullCircle in Stilwell, Kansas and the  Crossroads Program, in Martin City. All of those places had a hand in helping Lauren and we are forever grateful it allowed us a little more time with her. Please, please, please reach out if you are struggling. As Lauren would say, "Love Yourself First". 

Lauren was preceded in death by her dad, Justin Eager; infant brother, Jacob Daniel; maternal grandma, Lou Ann Armintrout; and an aunt, Victoria Moore. 

Lauren is survived by her mama, Sarah Eager (Mark Ryan) of the home; a sister, Kathryn Brinkmeyer (Spencer) of Independence, Missouri; a niece, Ember Brinkmeyer of Independence, Missouri; maternal grandparents, Richard and Rehnee Jacobs of Harrisonville, Missouri; paternal grandparents, Michael and Joyce Eager of Belton, Missouri; Mark's daughters, who she thought of as sisters, Britney, Ashley, and Morgan; other relatives and many friends. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the Heart of Life Church in Garden City, Missouri with burial in the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri.

The family will receive friends Friday, September 23, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to  FullCircle Program and may be sent in care of the Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432 Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.