Shayla King died peacefully on September 10, 2026. Shayla was born in Quincy, Illinois, on June 17, 1944, to William C. and Gladys B. (Taylor) Stecher. She grew up in Greenfield, Indiana. She attended Stephens College and the University of Missouri, Columbia.

Shayla is survived by her husband, Stephen King, and by their sons, Brian T. King (Jen Behme), Springfield, Mo., and Damian S. King, Wheatridge, Co. The couple's third son, Dustin D. King, predeceased her. She is also survived by two grandsons: Riley J. Grubbs (Allie), Aurora, Co., and Brady T. King, Topeka, KS.

Shayla and Stephen met in the summer of 1968. She was a TWA hostess at the time, based in Kansas City. Shayla and Stephen began their 57 years of blessed marriage in May 1969. Shayla's commitment to family life ended her flying days, "grounded" her. Then, as her sons matured, she found her second career as one of the Kansas City area's favorite waitresses and most influential food service trainers. She began her hospitality life at the Bristol's Country Club Plaza location. Later, when Bristol lost its lease, Shayla moved with the restaurant to Overland Park. Shayla finished her career with a brilliant 21-year run as waitress/trainer at Lidia's Kansas City. While there, she was honored by Pitch Magazine as Best Server (2007). Shayla will be missed

Shayla's life will be celebrated at Kansas City United Church of Christ, 205 West 65th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64114, on Friday, September 18, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers and consistent with Shayla's fondness for good food and hospitality, the family suggests memorial contributions to Harvesters — The Community Food Network.