Kathryn Elizabeth Wiley (Witte)

Kathryn Elizabeth Wiley passed away at her home in Lee’s Summit MO on July 31, 2019. Kathy was born to John and Mary Witte in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 26, 1946. She leaves behind her family, Chris Wiley of Lee’s Summit, children Sara and Andrew, Washington DC, Nicholas & wife Nicole of Pittsboro, NC, and sister Barbara Lewis of Lee’s Summit. Kathy attended school in Kansas City and college in Warrensburg MO, completing her Masters degree.
Kathy spent 13 years at home with her children as an involved member of the volunteer community, leading a Girl Scout troop, serving as PTA president at Hazel Grove Elementary and other neighborhood organizations. As a teacher at Blue Springs High School, she was able to share her love of books and literature, as well as the art and culture of the 20th century with decades of students. She was an avid Wildcat football fan, and supported her students in their activities and sports. Since retiring, she was able to indulge her love of all things English – traveling, reading, and watching every Brit mystery series ever made. She loved the arts, and spent many hours in museums around the world, including those near home, as well as attending hundreds of theater productions. Kathy loved to spend time with her friends, and her numerous bridge groups, book clubs, mahjong group, and chess club brought her such joy. Kathy leaves behind a strong feminist legacy, through her friendships and activism, and we know these women will help us pass this on to the granddaughter she would have welcomed this fall.
Our family wishes to thank all of our friends, neighbors and family that have taken time to share their thoughts and kindness during the past months. Your words and deeds have supported us through this difficult time, and brought so much joy and comfort to Kathy throughout her fight and as she prepared to leave us. It brought her such joy to know that she was the catalyst for the love and connections shared between us all, and this time has truly reminded us how lucky we are to have shared her life and yours.
We will celebrate her life with an informal afternoon gathering at Shelter 3 at Lake Jacomo on Saturday August 17th from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Per her wishes, we intend to make this a joyous and casual occasion - friends and family are welcome to drop by any time for conversation, games, and light refreshments. We will have activities set up for kids as well; casual dress is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the KU Endowment, Melanoma Research. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)

www.kathrynwiley.com