Connie Lay

June 12, 2022, Connie Sue Lay of Coffeyville, Kansas entered Heaven’s gates at the earthly age of 83.

Connie was born on May 14, 1939, to Robert Russell and Leta Lucille (Busey) Smith in Coffeyville.  Connie grew up in Coffeyville attending grade school and completed her high school education as Golden Tornado. Then on to OSU where Connie obtained her master's degree in accounting of which she was very proud of.

On May 28, 1962, Connie married Kenny Lay and the couple later divorced in 1982. Connie started her working career at Winston Insurance and while working there in September of 1963 Kevin Lee was born and just two years later Kristi Lynn was born in May 1965.  Continuing to advance in her career she began working at Jensen International; as well as being a full time Momma that was very active with Kevin and Kristi in 4H.  Connie was always very helpful and willing to serve anywhere she could, in fact she still carried a tape measurer in her purse, always ready to help.  Her next career move was to Funk Manufacturing now known as John Deere, dedicating 21 years in the accounting department when she decided to retire.   Retirement for Connie meant helping her son, Kevin start own his auction business in 1982, where she cashiered for many years and in that era, she began working at American Red Cross for 10 years.

Connie loved sports; she would cheer for OSU first then KSU second. She had the sports schedule memorized she would always know when K State played football, the channel it was broadcasting on and what time kick off was.  She would send text messages keeping Kevin up to date on the score while he was at auctions.   Professional football and golf where also on her preferred sports list too. Connie also had a fondness for George Straight, he was her “man” too!!

Connie always had the ironing board out keeping a nice sharp crease on her pant legs and even on her T-Shirt sleeves.   She enjoyed crocheting, it was more than just a pastime she enjoyed making hot pads in your favorite color and gifting to her family and friends. Her family enjoyed another hidden talent of baking, she made delicious brownies, cookies, and cakes that she often shared with them or other special people.   Connie also enjoyed tending to her flowers and feeding the birds, deer and turkey that roamed at her place.

Connie had the third child over the years, Striker.  Striker is an 89-pound boxer that was always by her side.  She loved her Boxers and they loved her.

Connie leaves behind by her son Kevin and his wife, Lois Lay; daughter, Kristi Lay and Mitch; her eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren and one on the way.  She was preceded by her parents.

Thursday, June 16 at 10 am the family will celebrate the life of a woman they have loved for their lifetime at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas with Evangelist David Bycroft officiating.  Connie will be laid to rest next to her parents in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery following the service.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, from 6 to 8pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel.  At the request of the family Memorial Contributions may be made payable to Shriners Children’s Hospital and may be left in care of the chapel.  To leave an online message of condolence or share a memory visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com