LaFaye Newcomer passed away on April 18, 2025 with her daughters at her side.  She spoke with her son hours before her passing.

She was born June 4, 1933 in Ravenwood, MO to Ray and Nellie Good.  She grew up on a farm and went to school in Stanberry, MO.  She was married to Leroy Newcomer in 1952 until his death in 2022.  In Overland Park they raised 3 children who graduated from university, married, and had children: Janet & Chuck Engel (Amelia Engel & Julia Engel (deceased).), Jeffery & Maureen Newcomer (Alyssa & KC Rentfro with Zoe), & Jean & Ken Gengler (John Gengler & Lauren Gengler).

In today’s terms, LaFaye was a Maker.  She made a family and friends, she cooked healthy and tasty meals, she made homes for her family and to share, she sewed clothing, household items & quilts, she made wool braided rugs, she learned and shared many other crafts.  LaFaye even mixed concrete to build retaining walls at the lake house.  She shared those skills with her children & encouraged others to be makers, too.

LaFaye & Leroy also liked to play.  At Santa Marta, she liked to tell about water skiing, entertaining friends and extended family, and all things related to the lake, from camping on a gravel beach to enlarging their cabin.  They owned 3 time shares and enjoyed maximizing those trips.  In their younger years, they square danced and visited KC hot spots. LaFaye enjoyed playing bridge from her mid 20s through most of her 80s.  She never understood how her kids never learned the game.

LaFaye’s funeral activities are Tuesday, May 13, 2025.  Visitation starts at 9:30 with Mass at 10:30 in Holy Trinity’s old Stone Chapel (9130 Pflumn Rd., Lenexa, KS). Internment immediately follows at Resurrection Cemetery (8300 Quivera Rd., Lenexa).  Refreshments will be served at 12:15 in the common area at Santa Marta Retirement Community (13800 W 116th St., Olathe.)

Memorial contributions are suggested to a nonprofit of the donor’s choice.