Butterfly bush planted in memory of MaKennah Barron

The Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce, along with Washington-Franklin Elementary, planted a butterfly bush in front of the school in memory of MaKennah Barron, 8, who recently lost her battle with cancer.

Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce Events Coordinator and Member Services Manager Brittany Gladbach said they really didn’t have a certain plan with the butterfly bush Tuesday morning.

“We knew God would take us through it and we want to thank the pastor, Mike Harrison, from Parkland Chapel, who was MaKennah’s pastor, for leading us through the program,” said Gladbach. “As we thought, he made it such a smooth transition and it was a beautiful thing to be a part of.”

Gladbach wanted to thank the community, as well as the Barron family, and Fox Farm Nursery for the donation of the butterfly bush.

“I also want to thank the Parkland Chapel for being a part of it and everyone who came out,” said Gladbach. “The teachers, the Farmington School District and also Gary (Phillips) for preparing the area where the bush was planted.”

The butterfly bush that was planted had pink/purple flowers on it and it will grow to be approximately 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide. The school district plans to redo the landscaping in front of the elementary building where the bush was planted and have the bush be the center focus of the area.

Gladbach has said they decided to do this because MaKennah was so fascinated with butterflies and she really touched everyone’s hearts. She also said the Farmington Chamber loves to support their community. She said MaKennah was an inspiration for all and they wanted to leave a mark where she went to school.

View more photos and videos online at dailyjournalonline.com” width=”800″ /> The Barron family gathers around the butterfly bush that was planted Tuesday as a memorial for MaKennah.

View more photos and videos online at dailyjournalonline.com

A butterfly bush can be seen in front of Washington-Franklin Elementary in Farmington. It was planted as a memorial for MaKennah Barron and to be a happy reminder and a celebration of her life.

Renee Bronaugh is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-518-3617 or rbronaugh@dailyjournalonline.com