Kansas City, Missouri
Emma Lou Lais, 88, passed away Oct. 18, 2012. Visitation will be from 9-10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22 at Muehlebach Funeral Home, 6800 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO, followed by funeral services at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to The Disabled American Veterans. Emma Lou was born Oct. 4, 1924 in Kansas City, MO, to John and Jessie Madeline Welch. She was raised on a 160-acre farm in Overland Park, KS. At an early age she had a great singing voice and was becoming a very good guitar player. She continued to take guitar lessons and at the age of 11, she started singing and playing on WHB Radio in Kansas City. She began singing professionally in her late teens and was asked to travel abroad with the USO in order to entertain the troops. She traveled with Bob Hope, Doris Day and others. Emma Lou also sang with many big band legends such as Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Johnny Richards, Benny Carter and the Ike Carpenter Band where she met her husband, John Lais, Jr., a great drummer in his own right. She started the Jesma record label named after her mother. She also recorded for Capital, MGM, National, Victor, Decca, Columbia Records and others. After her husband passed away in 1981, Emma Lou started a new profession of hooking primitive hooked rugs, a talent she learned while sitting on her mother's lap in Piper, KS. She then began teaching the art and co-authored two books and has been featured in many of the Hooking magazines. Emma Lou has always lived her life to the fullest, always smiling and cheerful, even in the toughest of times. Her charm, sweet personality and genuineness has touched and affected many people through her life. Emma Lou is survived by her sons, John J. Lais III, Patrick J. Lais and wife Renee; grandchildren, Allie Lais, John J. Lais IV, Jessica Bobal and husband Christopher, Michael Lais and Kelly Lais; great grandchildren, Kaelyn and Anderson Bobal; several St. Louis relatives. Memorial contributions and condolences may be left at www.muehlebachchapel.com Muehlebach Funeral Home, 6800 Troost, Kansas City, MO 64131, (816)444-2060
Sadly we just learned of Emma Lou's passing. We are so sorry that we were not at her memorial service. She was such a special lady. The last time we saw her she talked alot about our family members that had passed on. I know she will be missed by many. Rest in Peace, sweet Emma Lou.
Guy and Carol StLouis
July 27, 2013 | Independence, MO
I just heard about Emma Lou's passing! I loved her so much! What a lovely talented woman! You will live on in many people's hearts!
Jennifer McKelvie
January 30, 2013 | St Charles, IL
This world has lost a very special person. I met Emma Lou at my very first rug hooking camp at the Ault's in Shelby, Ohio. The rug she helped me plan hangs in my dining room to this day and will forever be very special to me. My thoughts and prayers go to her family.
Cyndy Zee
January 13, 2013 | Columbus, OH
taken when Emma Lou was living in Hollywood
October 26, 2012
Dearest Most Precious Mom,
I love you so much, its been so difficult to let you go! I just want to hug you one more time, look into your beautiful eyes and tell you how much you've meant to me. Thank you for your unconditional love. And teaching me about life! Welcome to Heaven!
John Lais
October 25, 2012 | Las Vegas
Always with a smile on your face...and a twinkle in your eye. Will miss you, but will always have a special place in my heart for you.
Kathy T
October 24, 2012
We are going to miss you Emma Lou, but the choir of angels are gaining a very special lady. I will always remember your voice and joy of singing. I was very blessed to have been with you at Rhonda's and the rug we planned together has a very special meaning to me. Donna Mixner, Cleveland, Ohio
October 24, 2012
My sympathy and deepest condolences to all of you. I will always cherish the memory of the class I had with her & count myself very fortunate. Her talent, grace & charm will be sorely missed.
Jan Peckenpaugh
October 24, 2012 | Katy, TX
Johnny and Patrick,
My sympathy to both of you and to your families as you mourn the loss of your mother. I was so glad I got to visit her in KC on a Sunday morning in June 2011, the day after Martha Ann Crum's funeral in Wichita. I got to visit her several times over the years - in Tarzana and KC, and also in Houston where I first met you guys when we were just kids. May God bless you and the memory of your mother. Clarance Smith
October 23, 2012
