Dottie Lafferty

Dorothy Deanne (Helm) Lafferty, daughter, mother, sister, and friend, passed away in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 4, 2025, at the age of 65. Born on June 18, 1959, to Thomas and Dorothy Helm, Dottie, as she was known, was always full of personality and stories.

Dottie’s early life was filled with the love of her family. She grew up in Smithville, Missouri, the only girl among 5 brothers. After graduating from Smithville High School, Dottie attended William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, where she majored in Religion. She later attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky for a short time.

Dottie married Patrick Lafferty in December of 1986 and remained married to him until his death in 2022. Out of this union, came the greatest gift Dottie ever offered this world, their daughter, Colleen. Colleen was her greatest accomplishment and a huge source of pride.

Dottie worked at Kansas City Health Department for a number of years before becoming disabled. Beyond her work, she was a longtime member of South Broadland Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed singing in the choir, teaching and writing there. Dottie also enjoyed arts and crafts projects as well as self-publishing a few books.

Dottie is survived by her beautiful daughter, Colleen, as well as extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Patrick Lafferty, her parents Thomas & Dorothy Helm, her step-mother Carol Helm, two of her brothers, Scott and Tom Helm, and her nephew, Mark Helm.

A celebration of Dottie’s life will be held on April 27, 2025, at 3:00 PM at South Broadland Presbyterian Church, 7850 Holmes Rd. Kansas City, MO 64131.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Farmer’s House, her daughter Colleen’s wonderful day program. Donations may be made in her memory at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/502f/n?vid=1isjol