Monika O'Dette Maiden-Raglin

Monika O'Dette Maiden-Raglin, a beacon of love and an embodiment of a life well-lived, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, in Garland, Texas, at the age of 61. Born on November 17, 1963, in Damstadt, Germany, Monika was the cherished daughter of the late Matthew and Lola (Drake) Maiden. Her journey through life was a testament to her strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those she loved.

Monika's early years were filled with the joy of learning and the warmth of family. She spent her formative years in Kansas City, at St. Therese Little Flower School, and where she was a beloved figure at Bishop Hogan High, crowned Miss Hogan High in 1982. Her vibrant spirit shone brightly as she was honored as Miss Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Sigma Chapter, at Southern University and A&M College, in the spring of 1983. Monika's passion for community and service was evident when she pledged the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beta Psi Chapter, at Southern University, in 1985, a membership she maintained committed to that would shape her lifelong dedication to sisterhood and service. She graduated from Southern University in December 1986 with a BS in Business Management.

In June 1988, Monika's heart was joined in marriage to Ronald G. Raglin, who predeceased her. Their love blessed them with a son, Ronald G. Raglin II of Kansas City, MO. Monika's love extended to her siblings, Miriam O. Maiden of Garland, TX, and Matthew Maiden and his wife, Monique, of Kansas City. She was a doting aunt to her nephews, Nehemiah D. Lewis and his wife Juels, of Woodward, OK, and Matthew Maiden II and wife Kayla of Kansas City, and nieces, Miriam O. Maiden and Matilda O. Maiden of Kansas City. And her loving college friends, who were like sisters, Geraldine Branch (Washington DC), LaRussia Yellock (Atlanta, GA), Pam Mohammed (Houston, TX), Melissa Hightower (Detroit, MI), Karen Miller Palm (Florida), Vanda Meshack (Dallas,TX), Sheila Dillion (Houston, TX), Drusilla Emmanuel (Dallas, TX), and Sherry Soumaoro (Houston, TX).

Monika's career as an educator spanned over 40 years in the Kansas City School District. She was not just a teacher but a mentor, cheerleading coach, a confidante, and an inspiration to countless students. Her student's success and future endeavors were important to her. She strived to ensure her students excelled. Her dedication to education was paralleled only by her faith and involvement at Morning Star Baptist Church of Kansas City, Missouri; and at Friendship Baptist Church of Kansas City, Missouri, where she nurtured her spiritual community with the same love and attention she gave to her students.

Monika loved spending time with family and friends, creating memories that would last lifetimes. Her creativity found an outlet in writing Haikus and poems, where she could express her innermost thoughts and reflections. She also enjoyed singing, and her work with her sorority was not merely an activity but a part of her identity, allowing her to make a difference in the lives of many.

Those who knew Monika will remember her as a loving soul, a person whose very presence made the world a more interesting place. Her laughter, her wise counsel, her style, grace, and her boundless energy for life's pursuits will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered.