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Kathie White

January 11, 1930 - October 18, 2020

 

 

Kathie White was born Kathleen Alice Connor on January 11, 1930 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was the youngest of four children and the only daughter born to Frank and Edna Connor.  Kathie was raised in Dubuque, Iowa following her father's job transfer.  In 1947 Kathie enrolled at the University of Dubuque where she met Elmer White, a returning WW II veteran.  Three years later they married after they had both transferred to the University of Iowa.

 

Their early married life was spent at Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana, where Elmer was on the faculty.  They lived in Culver for twenty-three years.  During that time, Kathie taught English at a nearby Jr. High for 6 1/2 years and later earned her master’s degree at the University of Indiana.  In 1975 Elmer brought the family, then Kathie and the youngest son, Drew, to Kansas City where he held a teaching position at Pembroke Country Day while Kathie stayed busy substitute teaching. 

 

In 1979 Kathie started her career at St. Paul's Episcopal Day School where she taught for the next sixteen years.  1979 was a life-changing year for Kathie, because she not only began her St. Paul's career, but she suffered the sudden loss of Elmer during that same period.  Over the years, Kathie cherished her students and her teaching associates at St. Paul's.  Those who knew and loved Kathie would tell you that she was a unique person.  She was a dedicated teacher who focused on the successes of each individual student.  She valued her friendships and often rewarded those friends with her "signature" gift, her special lemon cake.

 

Kathie was a long-time member of Asbury Methodist Church of Prairie Village.  There she was involved in many activities, in particular Stephen Ministries as well as the planning and caring for the church Memorial Garden.  She volunteered at Children’s Mercy Hospital "Reach Out and Read" program for seventeen years.  Kathie was predeceased by her husband, Elmer, her son Paul, her parents and three brothers, Bill, John and Jim Connor.  She is survived by her sons, David and Drew (Mary), her sister-in-law Sonja, her daughter-in-law Kit, as well as seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  She is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews.  Memorial services will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church at a later date (post-Covid).  Contributions may be made to the Asbury Memorial Garden Fund, 5400 W. 75th Prairie Village, KS 66208.
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Condolences

Ruth Feld Oct 22, 2020

friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a very special lady. I always would tell her that I wanted to be her when I grew up. She was always so with it for someone her age; using the computer etc. We talked about books a lot as we were both avid readers. Until covid hit we used to go out to lunch with other Children’s Mercy volunteers. I would pick her up and she was always so grateful to me. I told her that I knew that she would have done the same for me if our situations had been reversed. And she said that of course, she would have. Wherever he may be now, I'm sure she is growing flowers.

Carol Thomas Wunsch Oct 25, 2020

Friend ,Cedarburg ,Wisconsin

Kathie White - one of my oldest and dearest friends! Kathie, you will be missed by many, and fondly remembered. I have so enjoyed talking with you these past months. With love and gratitude, Carol

Rosemary (Vasas) Abbott Oct 25, 2020

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I was privileged to have Kathie as my friend since we first met at Culver in 1965. When I was hired to teach English at Culver Military Academy, Elmer White became a colleague; soon after, I was invited to the Whites home for dinner and met Kathie. We hit it off immediately since we both loved many of the same pastimes like sewing, crafting, reading, cooking and decorating. She offered me use of her sewing machine, and soon I was a fairly frequent visitor. Fast forward to around 1973 when I learned that Elmer had accepted a job offer at Pembroke and the family would be moving here. After Culver, I had moved on to the Shawnee Mission School District and I was thrilled to know that the Whites would be close by. Our friendship blossomed and Kathie became more like a sister to me. She had so many endearing qualities; she was an excellent listener and gave good advice when asked. She was charming and made friends easily. Her relationships were always “give and take,” and she often showed her appreciation and repaid kindnesses by making her famous lemon cake or her signature sugar cookies and giving them in thanksgiving. Kathie was famous for her well-written thank you notes—an art that has been lost in today’s world. Kathie knew the importance of the written word when expressing gratitude. Kathie LOVED her Prairie Village Cape Cod home. She had the magic touch that made visitors feel comfortable and cozy by the way she combined her many eclectic antiques into a harmonious design that said “Welcome!” Kathie was a dear friend and while I will miss being around her in person, my fond memories bring me comfort.

Kelly Mahan Oct 26, 2020

friend ,Grandview ,Missouri

I met Kathie when she had her kitchen re-modeled in the early 90's...we homeschooled our 4 children at the time and Kathie sent notes of encouragement to my wife more than once. I worked with Kathie on several home re-modeling projects. She was a creative thinker with her projects and involved throughout the process. She was fair and honest. I thought of her as a 'Mom' to the next generation. She went to the "Y" for years and stayed in shape. She loved books and teaching, she loved her back yard and gardening. I was sad when she sold the home she so loved. She had a positive impact on my whole family. We talked about our common love of the Lord more than once. She holds a special place in our hearts. RIP dear Kathie...

Ingrid Reck Jan 04, 2021

friend ,Huntsville ,AL

When my husband passed away, dear friends of ours, the Aylwards, introduced me to Kathie, who had just lost her husband Elmer. We got together at Kathie's every Friday evening to watch DALLAS. The Aylwards were in charge of wine, Kathie of dinner and I of dessert. I moved back to Germany in 1988, but on my visits back to K.C. we always got together. I loved her house and garden on Fontana! After returning to the States in 2004 my yearly fall visits to K.C. to be with my son again included a visit to Kathie. We talked about family, books, plants and common friends. Now I lost a dear friend.

Margaret Jenkins Jan 05, 2021

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I am saddened to learn about the death of this master teacher and lovely friend. Looking back over the long years of my son's education (now a physician), I recognize Kathie as one of his best, most encouraging teachers. Indeed, in clearing papers, I have just recently reread beautiful notes from Kathie about my son's achievements. In addition, Kathie became a personal friend, always supportive and encouraging. My sympathy to the family in the loss of of a very special lady. It was my privilege and pleasure to have known her.