| Bio | July 30, 1943-March 23, 2025
Mr. William "Bill" A. Latta, 81, died peacefully on March 23rd, 2025. Bill was born on July
30th, 1943, in Kansas City, MO to Louise and William O. Latta. He grew up in Independence, MO, proudly
attained the rank of Eagle Scout, and graduated from Van Horn High School in 1961. He earned a bachelor’s
degree from the University of Central Missouri and a master’s degree in Recreational Therapy from the
University of Missouri, Columbia.
Bill married the love of his life, Helen Pottebaum Latta, in 1973 and settled in the Waldo neighborhood of
Kansas City, MO. Bill worked as a Recreational Therapist, helping those with limiting abilities learn
strategies to overcome obstacles. His friendly and patient nature, ready with a listening ear and a kind smile,
often made him a favorite to his patients, young and old alike. He generously shared his gifts at several
Kansas City institutions including St. Mary’s Hospital, Kansas City VA Medical Center, The Kansas Institute
of Medicine, Shalom Geriatric Center, and ended his career as a Job Coach for Goodwill Industries.
Bill and Helen celebrated 51 years of marriage with unwavering dedication and respect for one another. Bill
loved his wife dearly and expressed his love with the same zeal in their 51st year as he had in their first. For
49 years they resided in the same home, raising their two daughters, and enjoying countless celebrations
that rejuvenated and expanded with the addition of their two sons-in-law and four grandchildren. They
always had a love of travel, and in retirement they made incredible memories taking several trips to
destinations they had dreamed about visiting in the U.S. and abroad. Bill’s daughters will remember him as a
fun-loving, good-humored, warm-hearted, sentimental father whom they could always count on for gentle
advice, a corny joke, and stories from his childhood. His family was his pride and joy, and he openly shared his
appreciation for them every chance he had.
Bill was a life-long hobbyist and collector. He especially appreciated music which permeated the foundation
of his home and his relationships. He had a passion for Kansas City history and genealogy of his family, in
which he amassed extensive research. Bill was an active and dedicated member of Resurrection Brookside,
United Methodist Church, and often expressed admiration and gratitude for his Pastors and Chaplains. He
loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and his faith grew stronger with every passing year.
Bill is preceded in death by his mother, Louise Latta; father, William O. Latta, and sister, Pamela Latta.
Bill is survived by his wife, Helen Latta; children, Christine Rogge (Joel Rogge) and Jessica Monaco (Charles
N. Monaco); grandchildren, Margaret and Frances Rogge, Charles M. and Samuel Monaco; dear sister, Linda
Latta-Cariddi, as well as many friends and extended family who will miss him always.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be contributed to Jackson County Historical Society where Bill
happily volunteered and indulged in his love for preserving Kansas City
history. https://jacksoncountyhistoricalsociety.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donation-form |
