Lela Rose Canaday

Lela was an adventurous, brave, and deeply beloved woman whose compassionate spirit touched everyone who knew her. Faithful, generous, and wise, she embodied kindness and hard work and served as an inspiration to many throughout her long and remarkable life.

In her early years, Lela moved to Kansas City, where she graduated from high school. During World War II, she worked in a wartime factory manufacturing essential goods, and later joined General Motors. After meeting her husband, she shifted her focus to raising their family. In 1963, the Canaday family opened Canaday’s Playland in Sunrise Beach, Missouri, at the Lake of the Ozarks. Lela was a devoted and tireless partner in running the family restaurant, working side-by-side with her husband.

Lela was a devoted wife to her husband, William Canaday, and a loving mother to their son, Michael Canaday. Her family was the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

She found joy in painting, cooking, and baking, often spending hours with a sketchpad or paintbrush in hand. Lela was also known for her exceptional cooking and baking, talents she shared generously. She adored her pets, especially her beloved teacup poodle, Gigi, who was her constant companion.

Lela was actively involved in her community. She served with dedication at the Ararat Shrine of Kansas City and was a faithful member of Redbridge United Methodist Church. She also spent time as a teacher’s assistant for young children, where she delighted in painting with them and nurturing their creativity.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Goldie Cornell, and her husband, William M. Canaday. Lela leaves behind a legacy marked by kindness, dedication, and love—one that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.