Arlene Grace Laverty

Arlene Grace Laverty, 98, passed away Monday July 7, 2025 at home in Lenexa KS. She was born April 6, 1927 in Hebron, NE to Howell and Ruby Marlin Bassford. She lived in various parts of the west due to her grandfather and father owning and operating a highway construction company. She found moving often and spending most of her time in new places and schools a fun experience.

Arlene married Wayne Laverty, who was a dental technician in the navy, on September 23, 1944 in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. Along with her mother, sister, and aunt, she contributed to the war effort. They moved to Neodesha, KS at the end of the war while Wayne studied to become a teacher at Pittsburg State Teachers College. Moving to Pittsburg, KS, when housing became available. Settling in Shawnee, KS in 1949.

Arlene was a housewife, mother of three, and a professional seamstress. Always stylish and well-dressed, ready to go shopping anywhere and at any time. She was a wonderful cook who was known for her delicious gravy and pecan pies. Many summers were spent canning hundreds of jars of garden produce from Wayne’s large garden and giving lots of it away. Her favorite foods included hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, onions, navy bean soup, KFC fried chicken with their coleslaw and most any dessert. A welcoming hostess with a fresh coffee and a sweet treat, Arlene was a generous friend ready to lend a hand or an ear. As a member of Shawnee United Methodist Church and Faculty Wives she developed many great friendships.

You could find her enjoying word games, crossword and jigsaw puzzles too. She was always ready for a game or two of cards, Triominos, Scrabble, Yahtzee or Rummikub. An avid watcher of sporting events and game shows. Holidays found her knitting and crocheting gifts to share. A caring and witty family matriarch who loved being with her family and generously giving the best hugs.

Arlene loved to dance, if she caught you in the kitchen (or anywhere) you were encouraged to dance along with her.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents Howell and Ruby Marlin Bassford, husband Wayne Laverty, sister Lorraine Vondra and two sons-in-law Robert Long and Mark Kinkelaar.

She is survived by daughters; Sharon Long of Miramar Beach, FL, Leslie (Ken) Williams of Chesterfield, MO, and Kay Kinkelaar of Lenexa, KS.

Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren; Shannon Caston (Jason Roman) of Garland, Texas, Kelly (Eric) Williams Bell of Richmond Heights, MO, Erin (William) Dreiling and daughters Emma, Catherine, and Hannah of Kansas City, MO, Reagan(Jarrett) Higginbotham and sons Jaxon and Riley of Olathe, KS, Andrew Kinkelaar (Miguel Chavez-Pantoja) of Lenexa, KS, and Michael (Kelsey) Kinkelaar and daughter Addison of Lenexa, KS.

The family will receive friends at Loran Fawcett Chapel, 704 Indiana St., Neodesha, KS on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, beginning at 9:30am until 10:30 am. Graveside services will then begin at 11am at Neodesha City Cemetery. Arlene will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband in who preceded her in death 41 years ago. To leave a message of condolence or share a special memory visit her obituary page at www.loranfawcettfuneralhome.com.