Stella Katherine (Kay) Neville Soots, 87 of Cloverdale passed away October 8, 2026, at Hendricks Regional Hospital. Kay was born March 3, 1939, in Indianapolis to the late William Neville and Margaret (Darnell) Wheeler.
Kay was the widow of Melvin R. Soots. Her first husband and the father of her children, Joseph Walter Lauer also preceded Kay in death.
Kay and Melvin enjoyed their fishing trips and spending weekends & holidays with her sister Barbara Finn. A devoted fan of the Indianapolis Colts, Kay also loved cuckoo clocks, was guilty of spoiling her dogs Charlie and Moose, and cherished spending time with her extended family, sharing colorful stories. In her later years, Kay was very active in her community HOA, serving several years on the Stardust Hills Owners Association Board. Kay is survived by her sons Steven Edward Lauer, John Kevin Lauer (wife Dorothy), Joseph Paul Lauer, and Manuel David Lauer, her stepson Timothy Soots (wife Heather) and stepdaughter Tina Soots, 16 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law’s Elaine Miller Kirwin, Maria Alexander. Kay will be missed by members of her extended family, including her late sister Barbara’s children and grandchildren.
Visitation and services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 16th, at Whitaker Funeral Home, 201 N. Lafayette St., Cloverdale.
Burial will follow at Cloverdale Cemetery. Kay fought so bravely for many years, battling various forms of cancer and heart disease. But she never lost her positive spirit and genuine love of life. She was one of a kind.
