Catherine Anne Reynolds died peacefully at home on March 26, 2021, following her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Even while the disease took its physical toll, it never diminished her spirit.
Cathy was born in Buffalo, New York on November 22, 1955 to John Robert “Bob” Locke and Joyce Geiger Locke. As the fourth of five children, Cathy experienced frequent relocations that came with Bob’s career Air Force service—from tours of duty across the United States to cities overseas. In each new home, Cathy was open to new experiences and new friendships, while excelling both academically and athletically. Her love for travel, her sociability, and her welcoming smile remained throughout her life.
Cathy attended several schools in her early education. After graduating high school, she attended Northwest Missouri State. Following her college graduation, she began what became a long and distinguished career with the Internal Revenue Service in Kansas City. Cathy’s intelligence and management skills, along with her dedication and commitment to public service, led to increasing responsibility within the IRS. In June 2011, she was presented with the prestigious Commissioner’s Award, by the IRS Commissioner himself, in recognition of her outstanding service and leadership of the Submission Processing Consolidation project. Cathy proudly retired from the IRS in 2013.
While working at the IRS, Cathy met Joseph “Kent” Reynolds, whom she married on January 8, 1983. Cathy and Kent called Overland Park, Kansas home through 38 years of marriage, raising their two children and building a close circle of loving friends. Cathy’s home became a reflection of her spirit: the doors were always open, the hospitality was always genuine, and the welcome was always given with love. She excelled as a home chef, and took true pleasure in bringing together family and friends. Cathy was also an avid sports fan. To say she was loyal to her Jayhawks would be an understatement, but her passion extended to her hometown teams, the Royals and Chiefs.
Cathy has left her family a legacy of generosity, caring and determination. She is survived by her husband Kent, her daughter Caitlin and husband Maj. Keil Luber, USAF, her son Christopher and partner Eléna Potter, and her three grandchildren Kent Michael Luber, Caroline Anne Luber and Clara Rebecca Luber.
She is also survived by her mother Joyce Locke, siblings Susan Locke, Ellen Locke (Cliff Rot), Kevin (Jacqueline) Locke, and Steven (Rebecca) Locke, with nieces and nephews Alex, Rachelle, John, Patrick, Nicholas, Joshua, Sarah, Stuart and Evan, along with their spouses and children.
As a beloved wife, mother, “nana,” sister, and aunt, Cathy was a keystone in her family and will hold a permanent place in their hearts.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at the University of Kansas Medical Center, particularly oncologist Dr. Raed M. Al-Rajabi, for the care, treatment and support they afforded Cathy over the past two years.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Monday, April 5, 2021 at the McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS, with Memorial Remembrances at 5:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations for cancer research to the University of Kansas Cancer Center at kucancercenter.org/give.
