Kendra Sue (Borum) Cooper departed this life on November 10, 2025, at Benton House of Raymore, MO, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.Kendra was born July 5, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Donald Dee and Donna (Wehmeyer) Borum.
Kendra was a graduate of Sherwood Cass R-VIII and Central Missouri State University (UCM), obtaining a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in criminal justice.
Kendra spent her life dedicated to public service. She started her career as a Juvenile Officer for Cass County before becoming the first female patrol officer at the Belton Police Department in 1986 and again with the Pleasant Hill Police Department in 1994. Her trailblazing achievements paved the way for many other women in law enforcement who have since followed in her footsteps. Kendra moved to the Lee’s Summit Police Department in 1996, where she served in the patrol division, policy and procedure, and as a crime analyst before retiring in 2016. While at LSPD, she became a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor (CPSTI), serving on the Missouri CPS Advisory Committee with Safe Kids Worldwide, which she continued after her retirement. Not one to stay idle for long, she came out of retirement less than a month later, working as a corporate security officer with KCPL/Evergy before officially retiring in 2021.
Kendra was an avid horsewoman, and her love of horses was evident to anyone she ever met. In her youth, Kendra was active in the Creighton Saddle Club and participated in trail riding, parades, and rodeo events with her horses Lightning and Molly B. As an adult, Kendra was a member of the Peculiar Saddle Club and the Cass County Sheriff’s Posse in the 1990s, participating in trail riding, countless shows, and parades with her horses Joe and Lucy. In her later years, she transitioned from focusing on trail riding to reining, where she became an active member of the Southwest Missouri Reining Horse Association. Kendra competed in reining for many years with her faithful companion Milo by her side, winning many ribbons, buckles, and pewters. One of her greatest accomplishments was being invited to show at the AQHA World Show on her favorite horse, Vinny. She was well known among the reining community as a devoted supporter of the youth division and for volunteering wherever help was needed.
Kendra loved all things music. While she took formal lessons in piano, guitar, and flute, she preferred to play by ear. She participated in marching band in high school and played the flute for community events and weddings. She sang in the church choir and praise bands, most recently with the First Baptist Church of Peculiar.
Kendra was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughters, Brooke (Ryan) of Olathe, KS, and Whitney (Dustin) of Adrian, MO; three grandchildren, Lillian, Blaine, and Harper; one brother, Brian, of Harrisonville, MO; and many extended family members, adopted family, and friends.
Cremation with a celebration of life visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, Peculiar, Missouri
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to KU Cancer Center, or Southwest Missouri Reigning Horse Association and send in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P. O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.