Leopoldo Z. Ayala

Leopoldo “Leo” Ayala, 91 of Kansas City, KS, passed away on November 21, 2023 at his home surrounded by his wife and daughter. Visitation will start at 9:00 a.m. followed by Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2544 Madison, Kansas City, MO. Committal service will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2201 Cleveland Ave. Kansas City, MO, with a reception following at Sacred Heart Hall. In lieu of flowers donations are requested to Sacred Heart Church (www.sacredheartguadalupe.org). Condolences may be offered at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com.

Leo was born on February 15, 1932 in Argentine, Kansas to Jovita Zamora and Leopoldo Ayala. Raised in the Argentine neighborhood, Leo attended Clara Barton School and was a graduate of Argentine High School where he was the captain and the first Mexican-American quarterback of the football team. Following graduation, he started a 45 year career at the Santa Fe Railroad where he was the first Mexican-American foreman at the Argentine location. Leo served in the US Army Reserves, officiated baseball and basketball games for several years, and enjoyed coaching his grandkids and great-grandkids. Leo coached and managed the Kansas City Golden Knights basketball team. The team traveled to Mexican-American tournaments in Chicago, Omaha, Des Moines, Wichita, and Topeka where they won too many trophies to mention. He was a hard worker and learned many of his skills from his father. He built his home, his daughter’s home, and the beautiful altar at Sacred Heart-Guadalupe Church.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; son, Alexander Ayala; brother, Frank Ayala; sisters, Alice Fuentes, Esther Estrada, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Beatrice Rodriguez, Luz Candelario, Consuelo Zwilling. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Rachel Gutierrez Ayala; daughter, Sandra Fitchett; grandchildren, Angela Bobki (Lance), Jennifer Muniz (Ronald), Crisha Warren (Michael), Erica Fitchett (Jon Michael), Daniel Magana, Dominic Magana, Frank Fitchett; great-grandchildren, Cierra & Christian Muñiz, Nicholas & Myranda Magaña, Devin, Adriana, Isabell Bobki, Deion & Loren Marron, Taylor Fitchett; great-great-granddaughter, Blakely Bobki. The family would like to express their gratitude to Deacon Juan, Fr. Luis Felipe Suarez, Fr. Al Ebach, and the staff of KC Hospice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com for the Ayala family.