Connie Caffrey

She was born on September 16, 1951, in Axtell, Kansas, to Eugene and Aurelia (Niekamp) Stallbaumer.

On July 29, 1972, she married Roger Caffrey in Baileyville, Kansas. Together they raised two children, Julie and Ryan, and built a life rooted in family.

Connie graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. After a few years living and working in various states with her husband and children (Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, California), she settled in Columbia, MO. She spent many years working as a clinical laboratory scientist, first at the University of Missouri Veterinary School and later in the microbiology lab at University of Missouri Hospital, where she remained until her retirement.

Connie was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church since 1981. She attended Mass regularly and served on the Parish Council for many years.

She enjoyed traveling, spending time with friends, and being with her family. She especially treasured her grandchildren and took great joy in being their grandmother.

Connie also gave generously of her time in service to others. She managed the meal program at the Ronald McDonald House for a number of years, assisted with grant reviews through the Assistance League, volunteered at Upscale Resale and the library book sales, volunteered for MOSY and the University Concert Series, and served as a contact tracer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She is survived by her husband, Roger Caffrey of Columbia, Missouri; her children, Julie Marshall and her husband Joe of Columbia, Missouri, and Ryan Caffrey and his wife Alexis of Gainesville, Florida; her four grandsons, Evan, Jacob, and Connor Marshall, and Liam Caffrey; her sisters, Sandra Hazlett and her husband Dean of Topeka, Kansas, and Laurie Stallbaumer of Sabetha, Kansas; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, or the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Columbia, Missouri, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Committal prayers and burial will take place at Columbia Cemetery.