January 20, 1947 – October 13, 2026

On October 13, 2026, Dr. Connie Louise Dunn peacefully passed away surrounded by family in St. Louis, Missouri. A role model to many, Connie brought happiness to those around her with her infectious smile and laughter. She was compassionate, always willing to help others, and a loving mother who achieved her lifelong dream of owning a home with horses.

Connie’s life began on January 20, 1947. She was the firstborn daughter of Eunice Elizabeth Elledge, known as Beth, and Charles Melvin Moran. Connie and her younger sister, Cheri, grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Connie was adventurous and daring, a speed enthusiast, and a cowgirl at heart. She rode horses throughout her life and always held Texas close to her heart. She also enjoyed RV adventures across the United States and Canada with her Yahoo sisters, traveling as far as Alaska, her favorite destination. Her upbringing shaped her independence and commitment to education, values she passed on to her daughters.

Connie’s interest in computers led her to a successful career in computer programming. In 1965, she earned an associate degree in Data Processing from San Antonio College.  Connie continued her studies in computing while living with her grandmother, Artie Jewel, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas A&I University in 1970.

About a year later, Connie and her horse moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she began working as a computer programmer for McDonnell Douglas. Her work there sparked a lifelong fascination with aircraft. After 22 years with McDonnell Douglas and Boeing, Connie retired from her role as a senior manager to pursue a new calling. Wanting a career that would allow her to help people directly, she enrolled at Logan College of Chiropractic. At age 48, she graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.

Connie’s lifelong dream was to own a home with a horse barn and pasture. In 1997, she moved to southwest Missouri, where she served the communities of Forsyth and Ava with her healing hands. For nearly 20 years, she happily lived on her dream property in Ava, a 26-acre retreat featuring a rustic 1941 home, a cat shed, horse pasture, and her chiropractic office. She shared this peaceful haven with her clients, family, and friends, as well as a menagerie of cats, dogs, and horses. Many of the animals were strays who found their way into her welcoming arms. Connie never turned away anyone—person or animal—in need.

At age 72, Connie retired and returned to St. Louis to be near her daughters, sons-in-law, and their beloved fur babies, all of whom adored Grandma Connie. She enjoyed working puzzles, spending time outdoors, watching planes, strolling through neighborhoods and parks, cuddling and napping with her grand-dogs, listening to country music, and talking with family and friends. She especially loved being serenaded by her son-in-law as he played guitar for her. Connie had a particular fondness for Cherry Coke, oatmeal cream pies, spoonfuls of peanut butter, and her salt.

Connie is survived by her daughters, Julie Biby (Tim) and Jamie Mans (Dan); her dear friends, Carol Cunningham and Gwyne Montagna; and close family members: David Hagerman; Lou Ann Mattison, Johnny Elledge (Christi), Carolyn Elledge, widow of George Elledge, Steve Cook (Jackie), David Cook (Betsy), Rick Cook (Lee-Lan), Dick Snider (Debbie), Jim Snider (Patricia), Kathy Hudson, and Marilyn “Cookie” Moran Barnett.

She was preceded in death by her dear sister, Cheryl Moran; her nephew, Jesse Hagerman; and her cousins, Allen and George Elledge.

A celebration of Connie’s life and journey will be held at a later date.