Constance Joy King, lovingly known as Connie, passed away on October 17, 2026. Born on February 4, 1940, in Kansas City, Kansas, Connie lived a life centered on family, caring for others, and an enduring love for children.

Connie spent her early childhood in Sedan, Kansas. She adored her father, Leon Butterfield, and cherished her mother, Irene Butterfield. She grew up with her younger brother, Lonnie Butterfield, and her sister, Russ Ann Shannon. During her high school years, the family moved to Coffeyville, Kansas, a place that would always hold a special place in Connie’s heart. She carried fond memories of those years with her throughout her life. Go Golden Tornadoes!

In her early twenties, Connie became an X-ray technician and worked at a hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Life later took her to Carlsbad, New Mexico, where she courted and married Leon Huggins.

From that marriage came two of the greatest joys of her life, her daughter, Tonya Huggins, and her son, Rocque Huggins. Her children remained at the heart of her life and were a constant source of happiness and love.

Caring for children came naturally to Connie. Beyond raising and loving her own children, she found great meaning in caring for other young children. She seemed happiest when she could nurture them, look after them, and simply enjoy the company of the little ones entrusted with her care.

In 1967, the young family relocated to Newark, California. Connie would call Newark home for the next fifty years, remaining there until 2017. Yet Kansas was never far from the story of her life, especially Coffeyville. Her life and memories would forever connect the communities and people she loved in both Kansas and California.

During those early years, Connie met Patricia and Ken Dallman. Patricia became Connie’s lifelong soulmate and dearest friend. Their friendship endured through the decades, often nurtured by daily telephone conversations over cups of coffee. Patricia’s friendship was one of the great treasures of Connie’s life.

In the late 1970s, Connie and Leon separated. Connie worked long hours to provide for and raise her children, holding positions as an accounts payable clerk for Fremont Lincoln Mercury and at a medical office. During this chapter of her life, she met Edward King, and the two eventually married in 1983. With their marriage, Ed’s son, Patrick King, became part of the family as well.

Family life brought plenty of adventures. Everyone would pile into Ed’s big green station wagon for frequent trips to Visalia, California, to visit Lonnie and his family. They also traveled north to Portland, Oregon, to visit Ed’s brother, Darrell King, and the rest of the King family. Ed loved fishing and the outdoors, and together the family enjoyed many camping trips and time spent outside.

In 1988, Connie entered a new and especially joyful chapter when Tonya gave birth to Connie’s granddaughter, Brittany Vavao-Huggins. Connie thought the world of Brittany, and becoming a grandmother had a profound effect on her life.

Not long afterward, Connie left her job and opened a daycare, caring for approximately six children. It was work for which she seemed especially suited. She gave the children structure, affection, patience, and the kind of grandmotherly love that came so naturally to her.

Connie and Ed also enjoyed traveling together. Their adventures included a trip to Alaska, a family cruise, visits to Hawaii, and time spent sailing. These experiences became part of the many memories they gathered during their years together.

Ed passed away in 2010, leaving Connie alone in Newark. For a time, Rocque and Brittany lived with her and shared in her daily life.

Around 2015, Connie underwent open-heart surgery. Although it slowed her pace, she recovered well. The following years brought new challenges as she began showing signs of dementia. Eventually, her home was sold, and she moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to live with Tonya. She was an avid sports fan, often watching games with Rocque. They enjoyed watching the Golden State Warriors during their title runs.

From that point forward, Tonya and Rocque cared for their mother as she moved through the stages of dementia, returning to her the love and care she had given so freely throughout her life.

During Connie’s final months, the family relied greatly on the Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas. The family extends its deepest gratitude to Kristen, the nurses, Doris, Rachel, who sat with her every week, Hannah, and Dee, and everyone who helped care for Connie and supported the family. Their compassion, equipment, supplies, and guidance provided tremendous comfort and assistance during a very difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Circle of Life Hospice in gratitude for the compassionate care and support they provided to Connie and her family.

Connie’s life will be remembered through the family she loved, the children she cared for, the friendships she treasured, and the countless memories gathered along the way from Kansas to Oklahoma, New Mexico, California, and finally Arkansas.

Most of all, Connie will be remembered as a mother and grandmother whose family was at the very heart of her life. Her caring spirit, devotion to children, resilience through difficult times, and love for the people closest to her will remain with those who knew and loved her.

Connie is survived by her brother, Lonnie Butterfield; her sister, Russ Ann Shannon; her daughter, Tonya Huggins; her son, Rocque Huggins; her granddaughter, Brittany Vavao-Huggins; her brother-in-law, Darrell King; and her lifelong best friend, Patricia Dallman.

Her life was long, her love was generous, and her memory will remain in the hearts of those who loved her.

Connie specified that there will be no service. Instead, she has a memorial video from her favorite pastor, Garrett Yamada. They were fast friends when she attended First Presbyterian Church in Newark. The video will be available at a later time.