Lauren Riffel Amey passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on May
26, 2026, at the age of 43 after a brief, but fierce, battle with melanoma.
Born on January 14, 1983, in Kansas City, Missouri, Lauren was the beloved daughter
of Jerry and Joan Riffel. She and her brother John grew up in the close-knit Roanoke
neighborhood of Kansas City, where she developed a lifelong love for community, front
porches, old homes, and the traditions that turn neighbors into family. Lauren adored
planning and participating in holidays, and no holiday captured her spirit more than the
Fourth of July. Lauren believed ordinary days too were meant to be celebrated, and she
had a gift for creating magic and warmth for the people she loved.
Lauren attended St. Paul’s Day School and later Notre Dame de Sion High School,
where she formed lifelong friendships and developed her quiet confidence, warmth, and
loyal heart. She spent her college years in Chicago attending Loyola University Chicago, where she
earned her degree in psychology and embraced life in the city and, particularly, her
vibrant Rogers Park neighborhood. After graduation, Lauren moved to Los Angeles and
lived in West Hollywood, illustrating further her love of adventure and city life, and her
independence and self-assuredness.
Yet, eventually, Kansas City called her home.
Lauren worked as a social worker at Truman Medical Center (now University Health).
Here her compassion made her a natural caregiver and advocate for those she helped.
Also back home in Kansas City, Lauren met Patrick Amey at the BOTAR Ball, beginning
a partnership and love story that would shape the rest of their lives. In their late
twenties, they built a life together downtown, watching Kansas City’s renaissance unfold
from the windows of Lauren’s seventh-floor condo at the historic Western Auto Lofts.
Patrick and Lauren were, in many ways, a perfect match — two independent people
who built a life rooted in friendship, loyalty, humor, and profound love for one another.
When their children began arriving, first Lucy Mae, then William Ellis, and finally
Josephine Louise, Lauren stepped away from social work to devote herself fully to
raising her family—a role she embraced with extraordinary love and pride. She was an
exceptional mother to Lucy Mae, William Ellis, and Josephine Louise. Her children were
the center of her world. She poured herself into creating a home filled with warmth,
traditions, celebration, beauty, and unconditional love for them and she succeeded
beyond belief.
Lauren had a gift for making a house feel like home. She loved historic homes and
timeless décor, which she brought to her own. Every room she touched reflected
beauty, care, and intention. And she was an incredible host who loved bringing people together for any occasion—holiday gatherings, neighborhood celebrations, or simple evenings on the porch were all to be cherished.
Lauren could best be described as fierce — a quiet firestorm. Though often
understated, she loved and protected those close to her, including her parents, her
brother, her husband, children, and others fortunate enough to be in her circle. She
fought her illness with extraordinary courage and determination, always thinking first of
the people she loved.
Lauren is survived by her husband, Patrick Amey; her children, Lucy Mae, William Ellis,
and Josephine Louise; her parents, Jerry and Joan Riffel; her brother John (Juli), and
countless extended family members and friends who loved her deeply.
A funeral will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal
Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or First Hand Foundation.
Lauren’s life was rooted in love — for her family, her friends, her city, her traditions, and
the beautiful life she created around her. Though her passing leaves many hearts
broken, the love she gave will live on in the countless lives she touched, the memories
she created, and the family she cherished above all else.
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No words can describe how much Lauren was loved and her love for life. She was a beautiful human inside and out. She had a heart of gold. Lauren’s beautiful red hair matched her spunkiness! Not to mention her funny sense of humor. Knowing her from toddler to teen, wife and mother, no one was a stranger to her. She was such a lovable person. Her personality exuded warmth and happiness! Her husband, kids mother, father and brother adored her so much, you could feel it when they were in a room together. Lauren, a beautiful piece of you will live on in all of our hearts! 💕 RIP XOXOXO Aunt Claire and Uncle John.
What a beautiful tribute to such an amazing woman. Lauren, I’ll never forget our special days together collecting anything Hello Kitty and Keroppi. Those middle school and high school years were such a special time, and I will always remember her with warmth, laughter, and love. Praying for your family and all of us who loved her.
God Bless you sweet Lauren.
Lauren was a beautiful person in every way. She made the world a brighter, better place. My heart goes out to her wonderful family and all who loved her.
What an incredible testimony to our niece. She was a beautiful human being with a soul full of love. Too young to leave but off to new experiences that we only can imagine.
Thanks Lauren for showing us all what bravery is. God love you
Reading such a beautiful tribute to this vibrant, beautiful lady I send my most sad and sincere condolences to the Amey, Riffel and Lily families.
Pat – I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know that you have an incredible support group around you who will help you through this difficult time. Stay strong, my friend. May God bless you and your family. – P.J.
Jerry and Joan. I am so sorry about losing your lovely Lauren I wish I had known her.
Holding all of you close. Lauren was a bright light. She will be deeply missed. Xoxoxox Corey
A beautiful person living a beautiful life. A tragic loss
I have no words to describe how tragic it was to hear this shattering news.
It was a pleasure to watch her grow through her childhood to adult.
She was a joy to know and a beautiful person in every way.
So sorry for this loss to So many.
My thoughts,prayers and heart go out to the Riffel and Amey families.
Kevin
Jerry and Joanie-we are shocked and heartbroken at the news of Lauren’s passing. We have such a large family and every single one of us is thinking of you all and praying for comfort.
With love-Jenny and Jimmy
Sincere condolences to both the Riffel and Amey families. Such a terrible loss.
– Kevin Winters and family
We are so deeply sorry for your loss and are thinking of you all, particularly Patrick and the children. She was so lovely, and I know there are no words to bring consolation right now. Sending love and light, and big teary-eyed hugs from Asheville.
My condolence to all family
Joan and Jerry, my heart breaks for you. Joan, you were such a wonderful and dedicated mother. Your example made her the wonderful mother that she was. I remember when she was tiny she would be by your side at every event. She was the Westport community kid. She was shy but had the most beautiful hair, so she attracted a lot of attention. She lived a life that was so filled with love as she knew nothing else. You raised a very special child, whom will be in many people’s hearts. May God bless you all during this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
Godspeed, Lauren Riffel Amey, a life entirely too soon complete. You were young friends with my daughter, Kate Osborn, at St. Paul’s.
I think it’s safe to say that Lauren was the type of person that we all strive to be. She was the most generous, witty, kind, endearing, and warm person. We moved to the Roanoke neighborhood 9 years ago, and Lauren immediately made us feel like part of her family. We love our neighborhood, largely because Lauren helped make it so easy to love. We are so devastated, and we’re going to miss her tremendously. All our love goes out to the Riffel and Amey families.
Dear Joan and Jerry
I am so sorry for your loss. Lauren sounds like such a delightful young woman. I wish that I had known her. Please know your family is in my thoughts.
To the Joan, Jerry, John and to Patrick and your children. I speak for a whole bunch of the Loyola crew to say that we are so saddened and devastated to hear of Lauren’s passing.
This was such a beautiful and inspiring note to read about her life and love for everyone that was part of it.
Lauren was one of those people I always considered a “light”; she always made an evening, an event, or even just a hang brighter simply by being around.
She was unequivocally one of the funniest, quickest, wittiest people I have ever met! Make even a slightly dumb remark and she would hit you back with a verbal jab.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
News of Lauren’s passing seems surreal. Just not possible. Jerry and Joan, John, Patrick, kiddos and extended family, you have my deepest sympathies. Lauren was truly beautiful inside and out.