Lori Lee Coen

Lori Lee Coen was born in Broken Bow, Nebraska on January 10, 1957 to Wayne and Velma Roberts, and passed away at her home on September 5th 2019, after a brave fight against cancer. Lori, along with her parents and little sister Julie, lived in numerous towns and cities during her childhood. Her parents owned and operated motels and their family ultimately settled in Elkhart, Kansas making it their home.

Lori attended school in Elkhart, and was active in her community, drill team, band and other school activities. In 1975 she graduated from Elkhart High School then attended college in both Kearney, Nebraska and Dodge City, Kansas. In June, 1977 she married Lynn Priest and they had two daughters, Robyn Lynn and Marci Lee. On September 11, 1993 Lori married Jay D Coen, who also had a family, Michelle Nichole, Jace Derek, and Landon Heath. As a blended family, many good memories were made, family vacations, school activities, and just sharing time as a family.

Lori not only shared her positive attitude and loving spirit with her family and friends, but with her community as well. After her mother, Velma Roberts, passed away in 2010, Lori and her sister Julie started a fund called “Grammy’s Kids” in memory of their mother. With the help of donations, gifts, and volunteer support, they have helped provide funds for at risk children and families in need. Through their hard work and determination throughout the years, thousands of dollars have been raised for this effort, and countless lives touched in a positive way.

Always a hard worker and never running out of things to do, Lori was instrumental in running the family business alongside her husband Jay D, while maintaining her responsibilities as a wife and mother. Lori was the family matriarch, a rock and confidant, her wisdom and counsel sought not only by family, but also friends. Caring for others was what Lori was about, and as a final gift to her fellow man, donated her body to science and research, so that others may benefit even after she is gone.

Lori was preceded in death by her parents Wayne and Velma, her in-laws Dale and Bonnie Coen, her granddaughter Nevaeh Ann McKinley Coen, and her first husband Lynn Priest. She is survived by her husband Jay D of the home in Elkhart, her daughter Michelle, husband Brett and granddaughter Brooke of Derby Kansas, her daughter Robyn Kadel and husband Brice of Andover, Kansas, son Jace Coen, wife Lauren and grandchildren Emma and Jaydon Dale of Neosho, Missouri, son Landon Coen of Colorado Springs, Colorado, daughter Marci Priest of Dalhart, TX, granddaughter Mia Lynn Bhutto of Yukon OK, sister Julie Talbert and husband Gary of Elkhart and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 12, at the Morton County Civic Center, Elkhart, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be given to Grammy’s Kids, PO Box 189, Elkhart, KS 67950 or to the donor’s choice. Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory of Sublette are in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Lori Lee Coen (Roberts), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.