FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Vara Lee “Sam” LaFoy, died Nov. 13, 2018, after a brief battle with melanoma cancer. She was born in Fort Rucker, Alabama, Aug. 20, 1943, to Jack and Vara C. LaFoy. 

Her first year of formal education was spent in Paris, France, where she not only learned the French language, but also graduated second in her class of 40. She attended the University of Madrid for her first year of college then graduated with honors two years later from Wichita State. After moving to Washington D. C., she worked at the International Police Academy where she became a perfect shot. She then joined the State Department and worked in USAID all around the world, including Vietnam, Paraguay, and many countries in Africa, where she ran a Food for Peace program as a food aid officer. After retirement, she settled into what she considered a perfect life in Fayetteville, Ark., where she studied classical guitar, Ancient Greek language and literature, and was a stalwart member of her book club. Sam was known for her ready wit, quiet intelligence and moxie. 

She is survived by her mother, Vara C. LaFoy; many cousins; and a host of friends around the world. 

There will be no visitation and a Graveside Service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, at the Albert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be suggested to the Humane Society of the Ozarks, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530 

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 15, 2018