Leslie Gayle Way, 66, of Derby, Kansas passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Leslie was born in Wichita Kansas, the daughter of Victor and Rachel Klein on October 25, 1956. Leslie graduated from Campus High School in Haysville, Kansas class of 1974. She then started working in the aviation industry in Wichita and later progressed into her independent entrepreneurial career, where she opened and operated Salon Teased in Wichita. She also enjoyed the real estate investment business where she managed and maintained her multiple properties in the Wichita area.
Leslie's focus in life centered around her family and especially her grandchildren. She stayed actively involved in all facets of their lives, attending school music recitals, sporting events, and arts. She also loved snuggling with her grandkids for a movie night. Her favorite movie time snacks were popcorn and jellybeans (black licorice, lemon, and cinnamon flavor specifically). Leslie also enjoyed singing, joining a ladies a cappella harmony group known as Sweet Adeline's International. Additionally, she enjoyed participating in a group called Adventurous Babes Society. She enjoyed gardening, and specifically mowing on her riding lawn mower, it was her "meditation time". Leslie loved camping at the lake, live bluegrass music, traveling and sharing the tales of her travels.
She was preceded in death by her father, Victor Klein. Survivors include her mother, Rachel Klein; life partner, Van Snow; children; Kristopher (Leah) Tajchman, Joshua (Alison) Tajchman, Tiffany (Brandon) Cuesta; siblings, Alan (Tammie) Klein, Ted (Vicki) Klein, Joni (Dave) Meeth; grandchildren, Quinton (Diana) Brunn, Ian Ingels, Brianna Cuesta, Kaya Tajchman, Kylin Tajchman, Frankie Cuesta, Tatum Tajchman, Rosalie Cuesta, Victor Tajchman, Vandon Cuesta, Aevin Tajchman; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Cyrus and Iyvan Brunn; former spouses, Randy Kruse, Frank Tajchman and Terry Way. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Memorial Service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, May 12, 2023, at Smith Mortuary, 1415 North Rock Road in Derby Kansas. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, 6231 W 47th Street South in Wichita.
Our family humbly requests that in lieu of flowers or gifts, there will be a memorial fund setup in Leslie's name for her grandchildren.
In honor of Leslie's wish, please stay tuned for updates on Van and Leslie's Forth of July Festivities.