Cara Cleaver

Cara L. Cleaver, 75, of Iola, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

She was born on May 13, 1950, in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of Robert and Virginia (Kaufman) Latta. On February 4, 1974, Cara was united in marriage to Russell Cleaver in Iola, Kansas. Together, they built a home filled with love and devotion. Cara's greatest joy was being a wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother. She was the heart of her family, always ready with words of encouragement, a home-cooked meal, or a listening ear.

Cara was a woman full of strength, warmth, and humor, whose love for her family never wavered. She was known for her baby food potatoes, homemade mac and cheese, and countless other favorite dishes that her family will continue to cherish. She enjoyed movies, especially Titanic, where she and her granddaughter bonded over their love of Jack Dawson. Cara also loved The Golden Girls, playing King's Corner, and her daily cup of French vanilla coffee.

Above all, Cara treasured her family. She adored her grandchildren and found joy in supporting them through every milestone, always reminding them of her love and pride. She will be remembered for her laughter, her resilience, and the way she made everyone feel at home. "She was a light" in the lives of those who knew her.

Cara loved children, and children loved her just as equally. She was an amazing family member to her godchildren, nieces, and nephews, and a good sister who was always there when needed. Selfless and giving, she went above and beyond to help others, never meeting a stranger and never making an enemy. She lived as a faithful Christian and child of God, attending Trinity Methodist Church in Iola, Kansas.

Cara's family takes comfort in knowing she is with the Lord. She was deeply thankful for the care she received from her family and from the Lord's people. In her final days, the Lord gave her the strength to thank those she loved most. Even her doctor felt blessed to have shared those final conversations with her. Cara was surrounded by love from the moment she started her family to the moment she had her whole family gathered to guide her home into the arms of the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her Husband Russell; her parents; her sister, Ronda Latta; her grandparents; brothers-in-law Charley Adams and Rodger Holland; and nephews Derek Holland and Carl Hall.

Survivors include her siblings, Sandra Adams, Randy (Patty) Latta, and Melinda Holland; her children, Shawn and wife Dawn Cleaver, Daren and wife Danielle Cleaver, and Christina Cleaver; her grandchildren, Sukkie, Tatiana, Lakota, McKayli, Gage, Ashley, Tyler, Zachary, and Mayte; her great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, godchildren, and extended family who will cherish her memory.

The family will greet friends at a visitation on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service.

A celebration of Cara's life will take place Friday, September 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Inurnment will follow at Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to Iola Recreation Commission or Angel Care Hospice and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Hwy 54, Iola, Kansas 66749.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.