Marie Agatha (Merl) Lafferty, 98, passed away Sept. 4, 2014.

Marie was feisty, fiercely independent, whip smart and witty to the end. She was focused on family and filled with faith. She had a curiosity for all that life had to offer and was always intrigued by the latest technologies. Marie's hospitable nature meant no one she encountered could stay a stranger for long. Born in 1916 in Kansas City, Mo., she was the third of six children in the Merl family of Merriam, Kan.

She graduated as a member of the charter class at St. Joseph High School in Shawnee, Kan. She met her husband, Loren, at a GSO dance at Ft. Leavenworth, where he was stationed. Following the war they married and eventually moved to Wichita where they raised two children. After Loren's passing 33 years ago, Marie returned to the KC metro to be near family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, and her 5 siblings.

She is survived by her daughter Patricia and her son Thomas, 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, at Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee, Kan. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Overland Park, Kan.