Aubrie-Li Cana Lakey

Aubrie-Li Cana Lakey

October 21, 2001 - September 7, 2024

Aubrie-Li Cana Lakey (Yang Li Bei, her Chinese name) was born in China and lived some of her most formative years there. She arrived at Yangjiang City Social Welfare Institute in Yangjiang, China in the Guangdong province, in October of 2005. This was the same orphanage that her now-sister, Amy, was already living at. When the Lakey family traveled to China to adopt Amy in April of 2006, they met Aubrie. Chris and Tami vividly remember saying that if Aubrie was ever available for adoption, they knew that she was supposed to be a Lakey. 

In December of 2009, Chris and Tami received news via text from a friend that Aubrie was finally, and surprisingly, eligible for adoption. They describe that text as a “we just knew” moment. They shared the news with their kids, and began their fourth and final adoption journey. On September 19, 2010, Aubrie was officially a Lakey! She became a US citizen and came home to Newton, Kansas as a deeply loved and anticipated daughter and sister. 

Aubrie’s primary schooling included Berean Academy in Elbing, KS and Newton Public Schools, from which she graduated in 2019. After high school, she continued her education at Job Corps in Manhattan, KS where she earned her CNA certification. Aubrie had previously worked at Kidron Bethel Village, Kansas Christian Home, and was currently enjoying her residents and co-workers at Presbyterian Manor in Newton. 

The Lakey family grew when Aubrie welcomed a son, Tyler Yang, on October 4th, 2023. Aubrie was the best mom. Mothering came so naturally to her and quickly became the core of who she was. Tyler was Aubrie’s whole world. She was quick to pick him up when he cried, excitedly bragged about all of his “firsts”, went on walks with him every day, and was attentive to his every need. Aubrie worked hard every day to provide Tyler the love, care, and stability that she wanted for her son. Aubrie bore the unimaginable burden of Tyler’s death after only nine months and two days on July 6th, 2024. Even in his death, Aubrie cared for her son. She visited the cemetery every single day- twice most days. Tenderly, she maintained the piece of earth where he was laid to rest. 

Aubrie brought so much laughter and joy to those blessed enough to know her- classmates, teachers, co-workers, family and friends will continue to share the stories. Most recently, Aubrie brought much joy to the Newton community through her presence at The Table- a weekly community dinner at The Porch. Aubrie sat with people, learned their names, and made even the loneliest among us feel known. The Wednesday before she passed, there were not enough servers for the meal, so Aubrie jumped in line to help serve 290 Newtonian’s. Even in her darkest days of grief, she was so generous with her time and care for others. 

In addition to her son, Aubrie was preceded in death by her uncle, Adam Doss of Augusta, Georgia. 

Aubrie is survived by her parents, Chris and Tami Lakey of Newton, siblings Ashleigh, Austin and Emma, Amy, Anna, and Abraham Lakey, and two beautiful nieces Cora and Charlotte Lakey. In addition to the immediate family, Aubrie leaves behind grandparents Emil and Ralene Bergquist of Park City, Robert and Sharon Lakey of Wichita, and TJ and Eileen Rohleder of Lehigh and great grandmother Mary Taylor of Park City. Also surviving are Aubrie’s aunts and uncles, Christopher and Joy Bergquist of Wichita, Jon Doss of Wichita, Laura Doss of Augusta, Georgia, Andrew and Clarisa Lakey of Valley Center, as well as so many cousins. Many more extended family members and friends share in the sorrow of Aubrie’s life lost. 

A celebration of Aubrie’s life will be held at 10:00AM, Tuesday September 17th, 2024 at Grace Community Church in Newton, KS. The family invites you to a graveside committal following the celebration of life at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, KS. 

A memorial has been established in Aubrie’s name at Prairie View in Newton, KS. Please write “Aubrie Lakey Memorial” in the memo line