Laura LeForce

Laura "Peanut" LeForce, 57, died Sunday (December 6, 2020) at her home in Newton.

She was born on December 30, 1962 in Newton, KS, the daughter of Harold and Dorothy Smith Berg.  Her dad gave Laura the nickname Peanut when she was just a little girl, and the nickname stayed with her.

Laura was raised in the Newton area and graduated from Newton High School. 

She was a bright and shining light to everyone she met.  Laura had such a good heart, and she always tried to help others.

Laura worked for Dillons Grocery for 20 years.  For the past several years she was the manager of the Floral Department of the North Dillons Store in Newton. 

Survivors include her companion Reuben Monarez of the home in Newton; daughter Denesa Diaz of Wichita; brothers David (Julie) Berg of Salina, and Hank Berg of Halstead; sister Sherry Axsom of Charlotte, NC; grandsons Kaleb and Aidan Diaz of Newton; granddaughter Scarlet Smith of Wichita; aunt Lenore Smith, of Marion; nephews Matthew (Robbi) Axsom of Huntersville, NC, Jonathan (Crystal) Axsom of Liberty Hill, TX, and Eric Wyant of Las Vegas, NV; and uncle Bob Smith of Marion.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents; son Dustin LeForce; and sister Carol Martin.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday (December 10, 2020) at  the Golden Plains Free Methodist Church of rural Newton.  Interment will follow at the Highland Cemetery in Marion, Ks.

The casket will be open at the funeral home on Wednesday between 1:00 and 8:00 PM.

A memorial has been established with the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 East Broadway, Newton, KS  67114.

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton KS.