Dawn Gloria (Cairns) May, 86, of Wellington, KS, died on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025.

Born in Winfield, KS, to Lloyd and Violet (Smith) Cairns on May 12, 1939, Dawn was the oldest of two children. She spent her childhood fishing with her family on Silver Creek and exploring around the stone arch bridges in Cowley County. Her upbringing sparked a desire for adventure and a reverence for the outdoors.

Dawn married Gerald May, Sr., and the two shared 53 years of marriage before Gerald's passing in 2009. Together, they farmed wheat and raised livestock in Sumner County. Dawn also worked in the produce section at Dillon's in Wellington for twenty-five years.

Dawn loved fast cars, and her lead foot earned her the nickname "Hot Rod." Her yearning to see America guided her on road trips across the country to visit national parks, stopping to see as many local history museums as she could along the way.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald May Sr.; sister, Sharon Cairns-Chaddick; son, Mark May; nephew, Gene Lloyd Watkins; and her parents, Lloyd and Violet Cairns.

Dawn is survived by her son A.J. May and wife Shelly, daughter Debroah May-Rader and husband Terry Rader, grandchildren Jeremy (Stephanie) May, Crystal (Jacob) May-Wilcox, and Zane (Amanda) May, and great-grandchildren Soren May and Eliza May.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Baker Funeral Home West 3224 N. Tyler Rd. Wichita, KS.

A Graveside Service will be at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Prarie Lawn Cemetery in Wellington, KS.