Collene K. Newbold was born on October 14, 1931 in Bonner Springs, KS to Asa J. & Ruth S. Carden.  She grew up in Kansas City, KS and was a proud graduate of Wyandotte High School in 1950.  She dated for two years and then married Thomas E. “Gene” Newbold on October 15, 1950.  There is no question by anyone who knew them that they were soul mates devoted for life.

Her working life consisted of Phillips Petroleum, Brotherhood Bank and the Kansas City, KS Police Department.  However, her primary life vocation was that of mother and care giver to all who came to her.  She was first and foremost a loving devoted wife to Gene and mother to her five children, Mark Newbold & Stephen Carney, Pittsburg, KS; Jodie & Jim McMahon, Lenexa, KS; Dean & Cindy Newbold, Phoenix, AZ; Gary & Jessica Newbold, Overland Park, KS; John Newbold & Rex Sobreo, Overland Park, KS; and grandchildren, Jeff Newbold, Erin O’Dell, Thomas Newbold, Patrick McMahon, Sean McMahon, Michael Newbold and Matthew Newbold.  She delighted in the company of her eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren and they with her.  But her capacity for love was great enough that countless “adopted” kids from the neighborhood, schools and friends found the compassion and nurturing they needed from her as well.  She was also a great animal lover and her final furry babies Coby and Bianca will miss her as well.  No one in need of love and empathy ever left Collene’s presence unfulfilled.

Following Gene’s retirement they traveled extensively across the United States and around the world.  She was dedicated to family, personal friends, her church family at Wesley United Methodist church in Kansas City, KS and to service in her community for many years.  Collene set an example to her children and grandchildren of selfless service in giving back to the community to those less fortunate or troubled.  Her sense of social responsibility was keen and when she saw injustice and cruelty she was vocal and passionate in her opposition.  A sense of fairness dictated all her social interactions.

Her hobbies were varied and numerous over the years, painting, gardening, and a collector of Longaberger baskets and cookbooks which resulted in her having a very extensive private cookbook collection.  This of course resulted in many memorable meals at her table for family and friends.  Collene was a master of the art of good conversation, when talking with her you felt her undivided attention, her offering of wise counsel and value to all your thoughts and feelings.  You left a visit with Collene feeling far better than when you arrived.

Collene was unique in her amazing capacity for love, her heart was the world and the world could find refuge in her.  She encouraged her children to explore life’s rich opportunities, this resulted in her children all developing as unique individuals with open hearts and minds.  For this, we her children, are eternally grateful.

Collene was preceded in death by her beloved parents, husband and grandson, Justin Newbold.  Collene once had a near death experience; she shared with few people.  But the profundity of this incident removed all fear of death for her.  She was convinced that love, service and usefulness continue in the next life.  Thus with her passing, it is not she that is diminished, but death itself.  Collene’s memory will stay forever green in the minds and hearts of those that knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Crosslines of the United Methodist Church and Heart of America Chapter of the Alzheimer Association.

Services for Collene will be held Saturday, 11am, April 7, 2018 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 32^nd & Barnett in Kansas City, KS, interment at Chapel Hill Cemetery following the service.