Name: Hillside Funeral Home West
Address: Wichita, KS

Grandma, I miss you but I will never forget you. You always thought about us on birthdays and holidays and made them fun for us. Thank you for all you did for your family. I hope we will all be together as a family again when we meet again. Love you, Kristin

Tonight is the eve of Kathleen D. Loyd death (Kitty) I was in Phoenix, Az with my son Andrew staying at sister Jill's getting ready to make long journey home in Uhaul truck A J coming home from job in Tuscon, Az we called her and talked to her on the phone for 15 to 20 minutes the night before she fell. Told her we would be home as soon as possible. For what's it's worth I miss you more than ever and dad too. May god Bless Both your souls and may we meet again one day for Eternity. Love the people who treat you right.... Pray for the ones who   don't...we all r just.. Dust'in the wind (Kansas)God Bless Drew J. Loyd

It's been 1 year now Mom.  
Time flies by.
The memories and wonderful reflections of all the good times we shared will always be there in my mind and heart.
I could write volumes about the Joy you brought us all.
This Poem however sums it up.


If tears could build a stairway
and thoughts & memories a lane
I'd walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again
No Farewell words were spoken
No time to say good-bye
You were gone before I knew it
And only God knows why.
My heart's still active in sadness
And secret tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No one can ever know.

But now I know you want us
To mourn for you no more
To remember all the happy times
Life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten
I pledge to you today
A hallowed place within my heart
Is where you'll always stay.
Author Unknown
Love Jill & Jack

Kitty, It's now been 1year and we miss you more than ever. I hope we all make it up there to be with you and Jim someday. You lived a long a very full life together. Many good family times we will never forget. We will keep your seats at St Francis warm. Thank you both for all the memories you made for us and our children. Love, Shari

Mom, 
    It's Darin it's time to say are last good bye (In this book I mean) I hope to see you up there.I love you and miss you.! Your baby Darin.!

FYI....
 
This Guest Book has been kept online until 8/23/2012 by Wichita Eagle.

Kit Kat, Kitty clover,Kitty and the slew news and all funny nicknames...or just good ole Mom...This is good old Holiday Season Jill my sister called tonight and told me this is last nightwe can put something in this guest book.So this her son Drew J. Loyd signing off with my last Hoorah one thing I would like to say for sure this holiday season is the hardest one I can ever remember without Mom and Dad it goes on like life but will just never be the same.It seems like a day does not go by that I don't think about you.I want to tell you mom I'm trying to pick up where you left off Lately I have been going to church  almost everyday  I go almost every mourning since you pasted.After I drop off Jack My Grandson at Saint Fransis School I go to 8;00 A.M. mass it's reasurring that I feel your presence while in church. It's always a faithful feeling after church I have this spiritual feeling that you and dad are close by.Hope the rest of your kids will do the same periodically because one thing for sure you always worried about whether your kids were going to church or not.That's just the way you were. You always found your Peace in Faith and thats a good thing. You know I could sit here at home and write for hours about all the good time the challenging times and every other kind of time. It appears to me that I could not say it any better than my sisters did from what I just read that pretty much sums it up in a nutshell. So in closing during this Holiday season of 2011 which you are greatly missed....My wife Shari told me to send her Love and will hopefully be with you someday. Last but not least I want to speak on behalf of my daughter Kristin Ann Loyd which is in school right now hopefully finishing up her final month or two in her clinicals at Harligen, Texas 20 miles North of South Padre Island which is beautiful we just got back from there Jeff kristin's future husband we hope hehehe Jack Loyd my grandson and myself Mom I have to tell you we looked for the land that your dad my grandpa Andy won in a card bet suposedly the way the story goes in Port Isabel, Texas across the causeway of South Padre I think we saw the small lot Grandpa Andy won not for sure but there's a big hotel there now. Would of could of should of bought it from you but I know you told me you were tired of paying those Taxes on it that were 17.00 dollars a year.What a story you told several times Grandpa Andy and Emma were on there way down there and got just a little over half way and Andy told Emma by God if this place is any further than this they can just have the Damn thing and he turned around and came home and the rest is history.Sorry got side tracked had to tell a little history I heard from Mom.Back to Kristin who's finishing school now remind's me of you Kitty in a lot of ways it's scarey but good she sends her Love, thoughts and prayers I will never forget when she came over your house while in Hospice and put her wedding dress on for you and you just smiled what a magical moment also when you agreed to Kristin to serve the cake at her wedding will be missed...we will put someone special there for you... Like Kitty Junior Janis or Jill hehehe.....ok mom and dad love you to the end and my last quoteable quote is.....Life is a series of experiences, each which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it's hard to realize this. For the world was created by God to develop character for the good of Mankind and we must learn that the setbacks and griefs which we endure help us in marching onward with pride and faith that you instilled in us....May God Bless. Your son Retired Lieutenant Drew J. Loyd ( Sedgwick  County Fire Dept. 2011')

KITTY (MOM),  

It's hard to let you go, but you are in a better place now…this I know.

Your time with your children has left many fond memories.  You and Dad were so loving, generous and caring throughout our childhood and into our adulthood……always selfless and concerning of our welfare.  Mom, you made sure there was always a hot meal on the table while we were growing up.  I know it wasn't a picnic cooking for eight every night…dessert was the grand finale…umm! umm!  My favorite was homemade strawberry shortcake from the strawberries we picked in the garden.  You never missed a birthday celebration….Kitty's decorative cakes were the BEST!!!  Your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, with tables extended from the dining room into the living room and back into the kitchen (30+ guests usually).  I so loved helping you set the tables…the food was delicious!!  Let's not forget the knitted hats, gloves and scarves.  And your crocheted blankets…I still have a couple.  I can't forget the back to school shopping and the Easter outfits (I probably still have one or two… just kidding).  They don't call me Kitty junior for nothing…ha! ha!

You and Dad were the perfect couple.  Your genuine love for one another was so evident throughout your 67 years together.  And I know you missed him terribly, as we all did,  when he passed so suddenly last year.  Your family, the friends, and varied interests kept your life eventful and meaningful.  Your faith/religion definitely made you strong and resilient through many challenges as you and Dad ran a business and did your best raising six children (of course the two girls J. & J. were angels…we won't talk about the four boys).

Some of my fondest memories are of our travels together.  I was fortunate to work in the airline industry for a good number of years which allowed me to share some wonderful worldly adventures with you and Dad.  You two were the best traveling buddies…real troopers!!  We were so brave to travel to Russia  with the Pan Am interline tour during the Gulf War, or were we just crazy?!?!  It turned out to be one of our favorite trips…such amazing architecture and friendly people (liked to barter for blue jeans).  We brought back lots of goodies, scarves, wooden dolls,  lacquered boxes, watches, fur hats, caviar, etc.  How about our driving tour of Germany (Hitler's Eagles Nest and a visit with your cousins in Heidelberg), Austria (the chamber concert we fell asleep at), Switzerland (the shops w/clocks & the kitchen witch), Italy (that scary mountain pass we maneuvered in darkness).  Do you think any place has more sheep then New Zealand?  A beautiful harbor ride to the Sydney Zoo (Koalas' & Kangaroos) and a tour of the Sydney Opera House.  Our adventures in France with Reuben and the wonderfully gracious Latour family.  They toured us from Nice to Rouen in only six days.  We walked through the old and scenic mountain village of Les Baux de Provence.  Remember Dad's nasty ankle sprain on the hillside near Normandy (he never complained)?  Didn't we secure him a wheelchair at the Paris airport?  How can we forget our little fender bender driving through the “Lake District” with Debbie in Northern England.  What lovely accommodations at a boutique hotel in Chelsea London and then on our drive North,  a stay at the Crathorne Hall Edwardian Estate that included our meals (which were too beautiful to eat)!!  Let's not forget the whirlwind tour of Ireland with John from Dublin, North to South in five days!!!!  We took some great photos of you and Dad out on the water at the Giants Causeway in the North.  Our car broke down in the South, so we took a taxi to Knock while waiting for a replacement (it was Sunday-no auto repairs were open).  You got to tour the holy place and bottle some holy water…you were a happy camper!!  A more recent adventure was our visit to Seattle where we had an overnight with my friend Peggy before driving onto the ferry to Vancouver Island.  There we stayed in Victoria with one of my business colleagues friend's, who had a B & B.  They toured us around the Island with a highlighted visit to Butchart Gardens…I was in heaven.  I could have stayed there all day.  You and Dad we so patient to let me take my time wallowing in the flowers!!  I could go on and on....and probably write a book on our escapades and adventures around the world…maybe I will !?!?

My adult life (at the age of 22) took me away from Wichita and the comforts of a loving home that you and Dad provided.  Bill and I so enjoyed your East Coast visits and loved introducing  both of you to all of our friends in Haworth.  After 23 years in New Jersey, I picked up stakes and moved to San Francisco, California.  John and I looked forward to your visits when you and Dad would hop on a plane (standby) to the West Coast with little notice.  How about my surprise 50th party?!?

I will forever treasure my childhood and all the experiences we shared through the years.  I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to enjoy my favorite thing…which is traveling the world…with my two favorite people, Kitty  and Jim.  

Even though, the sun has set for you, the love that we once shared will continue to shine on…remember that!  You and Dad are in my thoughts and heart forever!!!!

Love you & miss you…

Your loving daughter,

Jan(is)

To the Loyd Family, 

On behalf of Legacy Bank I would like to send along our sympathies in the passing of Kitty.  I always enjoyed sitting and talking with Kitty during her visits to the bank.  She will be missed but it is comforting to know that we all have another Angel in Heaven watching over us.

Kitty, Jim and the Loyd Family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Hi i'm lauren, the 1st great-grandchild of Kathleen and James Loyd. I loved them both dearly and cherished every memory I spent with them. Even though she was my great-grandma, she always felt much closer than that. I was so blessed to have her in my life and all the times i spent with her. Close to the end, i had never seen my grandma so happy and funny. I loved every minute of it. She was one of a kind and unique in every way. I hope i can be half the woman she was. i love her so much and her beautiful character. I know they aren't here physically but in my heart I know they are with me. Say hi to grandpa for me. miss you both. -love, Lauren

I am the youngest grandchild of kathleen loyd :). She was an amazing woman that never took a break.! i miss her dearly and there is not a day that goes by that i dont think about that little lady. I was blessed enough to spend her last days by her side, thats something that i will nevr forget. Her strength, courage, faith, and undying love will carry with me forever!!! I lOVE YOU GRANDMA and GRANDPA LOYD a.k.a - the best parents and grandparents in the world =)
Love, Sarah J. Loyd

       Hi I am darin the youngest of six (Her Baby) Kitty was one of the best moms in the world. If not the best. She would make you laugh and make you cry hardly ever though. Well me. I will miss her more than anybody will ever think. She was the love of my life. Bye mom love you tell dad hi and we love and miss you both.

I am so sorry for your loss.  Amazing photographs!!!  Jill, your mother raised an amazingly beautiful family.  Thinking of you and your family.

Love to All!
Jenifer Napoli

Daniel Loyd; 2nd son of Jim and Kitty. No words will ever be able to describe them perfectly. Because to me they were Perfect.The memories of there love  shared between them and there children and extended family and friends will never be forgotten, ever! Daniel

Dylan Lukens, Grandson (Jill's son).  Grandma you filled my childhood with so many great memories that I will always cherish.  The love that you had for your family was truly special.  You always put others first without expecting anything in return.  You knew how to get the most out of life and enjoy the time with your family.  You were the glue that held us all together.

You will be missed dearly but remembered for how wonderful of a person and grandmother you were. I wish I could have been near you more in your later days, but so greatful that I was able to say goodbye.  As you wished for us, I will miss you...but let you go and not be sad for a soul set free (and back to grandpa).  I know that you would hope that we all live a life as wonderful as yours.  You will forever be an inspiration to those who knew you.

I love you Grandma!

Grandma or should I say Jan I missed you so much while you were gone I'm feel so bad for you but just know that both of you're parents are looking down at you and we are all here for you I love you so much and feel very bad for you 

My best wishes,
Marie

To the Loyd family,

Our thoughts are with you. We are sending our prayers and condolences to you during this difficult time. Your mom was a special woman and we know she is looking down on you and smiling. (she's saying "where's my checkbook?")

Hopefully some solace can be found in knowing that your parents are together once again.

We know you have countless happy memories of all the wonderful times you shared with your mom. Her memory and presence will live on in your hearts forever.

With love,
The Diba Family

Andrew James Loyd, Kathleens 2nd youngest grandchild...Thankyou for bringing the family together and leaving me with wonderful childood memories of Thanksgiving,Christmas, and the entire family together in Red Sweaters with a big Whita letters on the front. We will miss you, but are happy you have been reunited with granpa. Protect and watch over us as we continue are journey through life, and until we meet again.

I am Jill's daughter, Chanda, Kitty's grand-daughter, come to think of it, her first grand-daughter born....LOL!!!  Grandma I will always remember you for being such a major part of my childhood, the memories that were created on Ridge Rd. will always make me the luckiest little girl.  From swimming, jumping on the trampoline, playing card (how you loved to play cards, and one of my fondest memories), going camping to grandpa baking us his famous pies and cookies.  No matter what time of day I walked into the house on Ridge Rd, I was always greeted with my grandma's contagious smile and something sweet to eat.  If I find myself down and want to go to a positive happy place I just think back to my childhood in Wichita, KS. on North Ridge Road, grandma and grandpa, thank you so much for all that you did for us and gave us, I want you to know that you made us the luckiest children and grandchildren in the world!!!!  My grandparents greatest joy was providing their children and grandchildren with a wonderful life full of love, and I feel so blessed to have been their grand-daughter.
As a little girl I remember working at St. Francis with my grandma helping her set up weddings and cater them, going to the Wichita club where my grandma would always sneak me some ice cream, and if my mom or dad said I couldn't have something, grandma would try to find a way to make it possible.  I could go on and on with the endless wonderful gifts my grandma left me with.  Grandma!  I think I will miss your laugh the most!  You will truly be missed in every way.  Thank you for being such a wonderful role model in faith, family, values, and work ethic.  Your memory will be lived through all of your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and what a wonderful memory it is!!!

I LOVE YOU Grandma Kitty Loyd!!!!  Please watch over us and keep us safe:)

As a coworker of one of the most giving people I know...my deepest condolences and prayers that the parents of such an amazing friend of mine are once again reunited. Thank you for leaving us with part of you that does such good work here on this Earth. With my deepest respect and wishes for comfort at Godspeed, Roni Brown-Admissions Officer/Empire College

Dear Sweet Jan, 
I am very sorry for your loss. Reading over some of the entries made me tear up but the one that got me the most was your sister Jills. Your childhood sounded so happy. Your parents had it right, family first.. We missed you while you were away but glad that you were with your mom when she needed you most.
Love,
Dahnja

To Great Grandma Kitty, From Great Grandson Jack Riley Loyd....I Love u grandma Kitty It was fun going to your house so I could play with the next door neighbors and you always had candy at your house.You also had ice cream all the time. You were funny to when you could not find your teeth. My grandpa wrote this for me while I told him. I will miss you...Love, Jack Riley Loyd

Drew J. Loyd....The fourth child of Kathleen D. Loyd (smarsh) and I am writing in response to a note we found in her will that she wanted to be put on her funeral card which we did. It was titled Miss Me...But Let Me Go When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me,I want know rites in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free. Miss me a Little- But not to long and remember not with your head bowed low.Remember the Love we once shared. Miss me...But Let Me Go. for this is a journey we all must take, and we must all go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan, a step on the road to home.When you are lonely and sick at heart go to the friends we know and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss Me...but let me go............that was touching to find that inher last living will book and did not see it until the end so I feel at one time or another she found this special poem or note one day and that's how she felt when her life would come to a End. So after a lot of thought the night before her Rosary about 2 O'clock in the mourning not being able to sleep I wrote this response thinking maybe she's watching over me and I asked my sister Janis to read my response at the Rosary which she did. Thank U Janis and you did a great job I don't think I could of done it without you....that's what big sisters are for right...Any this was ny response that lonely early mourning.....Miss me ...but let her go....She has come to the End of the road and the sun has set for Mom. Do I have any regret that our mother we knew would be so fret. Why cry for her soul that has been set free...Mom's love for for her family was what meant the most you see...Miss her a little...But not so long Mother was the ONE that made us STRONG...Remember the Love we all onced shared Mom's looking down on us saying not to be scared. For this is a Journey we all must take. But Mom we Love you and Miss you make know Mistake. You say it's part of the Master's plan we each must go Alone But with my Hope and my Faith you have taught thourgh the years that I will be with you someday again without know fears. You say it's a step on the road to Home...We Miss you a Little We Miss You A Lot One thing for sure you will never be FORGOT......Please watch over us and say Hi to Saint Anthony your favorite Saint...The Lost and found (Saint)  With LOVE from ALL YOUR CHILDREN...Amen...Written 9-11-11 11:00 P.M.

Jan,

I am sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved her and talked fodly of your mother. My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Love Aimee

Grandma Loyd was always so nice to me and my family, she will be so missed.  May you find peace and comfort through God in your time of mourning.

With love, 
Nikkie (Nikhomvanh) Zdrojewski & Family

Hi
I want to thank all of our wonderful, Friends, Family and Neighbors who offered their condolences.
 I am Jill Kitty’s youngest daughter.
I have some wonderful memories of my mother. 
When we were little, my parents would load all six of us kids in the car and go on vacations. They felt strongly about teaching us the history of all the places we’d go. Of course chaos would always erupt in the car, but that didn’t seem to bother my laid -back parents, as long as nobody needed medical attention. 
However, my mom would often comfort and protect me from my brothers’ rowdy and rough play, but there was only so much she could do. I got pretty good at punching back and defending myself.  A skill I still use today. Our grandest times as a family were the camping trips at Beaver and Table Rock Lake.
My parents greatest joy was watching all of us kids play together. They always provided entertainment. A big back yard, toys that had motors, a trampoline and a swimming pool. There was enough food and fun for the entire neighborhood, and they would all come over. Mom and Dad would sit on their lawn chairs and smile and laugh.
Family dinners were very important to my mom. She had a lot of dishes and would love to bring them out. We would set up a long table where everyone could eat together. We have a lot of pictures of those loud and wonderful meals. 
One of my first jobs was working with my mom at the Wichita Club, at the top of the ----- building.  For five years, we had a great time together. We really bonded and I felt so close to her and proud to be her daughter. Everyone there loved Kitty, customers and staff. I was her side-kick. Sometimes she would bartend, and on special occasions, she would sneak me a  drink. She’d give me some nasty scotch n water, it was awful, but she’d assure me “its an acquired taste” .

When the grandbabies started coming, my parents had never been happier. They were always there to babysit and support us, whenever we needed them. I was very young when I had Chanda and without my mother’s help, I don’t know if I could’ve made it. Chanda adored her Grandmother. 
Kitty was big on birthdays and holidays. She would decorate the house within an inch of its life. Big fancy cakes and everyone was invited. The more the merrier. My mom often decorated herself as well. If you’ve known her very long, you know she wears bobble earrings and dangle bracelets and practically dressed up like the Christmas tree! She was very sentimental and her joy was contagious. 
Unfortunately, I know when my family and I moved away to Phoenix , it broke my mothers heart. She felt she had “lost her daughters”. Her boys were important, but her daughters were her friends. She and dad would come visit us at least twice a year. Sometimes they would stay for weeks, and even babysit our dogs if we went on vacation. 
As my parents aged and grew weaker, we changed roles. Us kids became the caretakers and the worriers, and they became the ones who needed protecting. My mother never complained, she had a strong back-bone. She pulled weeds in her yard to the day she had her fall. She was passionate about those darn weeds, even  as kids mom would send us to the yard and offer us “one penny per weed”, she’d say.
My parents were blessed with many children, and grandchildren, also very special daughter-in-laws and son-in-laws. Everyone put an enormous amount of help, love and care into kitty and Jim’s golden years, especially these past two weeks. We got to enjoy our mother for 88 blessed years. We, her children, want to thank the whole family for the many acts of kindness, especially the granddaughters Shanti and Sara, for helping day and night at mom’s bedside. Because of you, mom was able to be at her home with all the love of her family around her, and every single need she could possibly have was met right away. She knew we were all by her side. It was a beautiful conclusion to a life well lived.
We all have prayed a lot with mom in the past few days. 
My parents brought us up Catholic and our respect for God and his kingdom remains in all of us. Janice and I watched as our mother took her last breath and ascended into Gods arms. Now, she is happy and healthy and with her one true love, my father, Jim.
I want to thank you all, for your kind thoughts, prayers and support.

Drew, Danny, Jill, and Darin: With heartfelt sadness and profound grief I read of your mom's passing today.  She was a wonderful neighbor, an "auxiliary mom" as we grew up on North Ridge Road.  I can recall so many happy memories between 1961 and 1976 - buying firecrackers at the stand, playing Army in the fields, jumping on the trampoline - and your mom, with her loud yell for "Drew! Jill! Time to eat!" echoing across the neighborhood.  She always had a treat for us when we were playing, and I still remember the glass swan she had on her shelf that she used as a tornado warning device, with the fluid going up and down based on the barometric pressure (it was pretty accurate, too).  I treasure the time I spent with your mom and dad when I returned to Wichita i 1996 for my 30 year Maize HS reunion - it was a delightful afternoon filled with many stories.  Know that the Jenkins family sends their best and that we are thinking of you.  Rest assured that my dad is with your folks, trying to get a card game started in Heaven.  God bless and my condolences once again.  Kenny Jenkins, Boise, Idaho

Kitty brightened a lot of lives with her holiday gatherings and birthday parties. I was glad to have her as a mother in law for so many years. She loved being with friends and family as often as possible.

To all that has given condolences and came to my mom's funeral. Thank .you from the bottom of our hearts your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.Special thanks to Sedgwick County Fire Dept.and honor guard for your support. The Loyd Family

Darin,
I was sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I hope you will find comfort in the many memories that you have of her and knowing that she is resting in a better place.

David and Loyd Family.

Very saddened to learn of your loss of your mother. She (and your Dad) were very special people. Over the years I would often see them at the CU's annual meeting and they would always come up to say hello and talk awhile. Our family has many good memories of your mom, dad and Smarsh grandparents. God shelter all of you with His love, and bring you peace.

Dave and family,

We are sorry to learn of your Mom.  You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Darin and Loyd Family~
We are so sorry for your loss! I know how much Kitty was loved by every one of you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!!

God bless all of you during this time.  What a sweet, funny, special neighbor and friend Kitty was over the many years.  She and your dad were a wonderful example of marriage.

I am deeply saddened to hear about Kitty  passing away . I have had  the privilege of knowing and working with Kitty at The Wichita Club. My thoughts are with you. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.

You have my deepest sympathy.  Kitty was a valuable customer to Legacy Bank.  We will miss seeing her. You are in my thoughts & prayers.

To the entire Loyd Family,
There have been wonderful memories of family get togethers thru the years. I espically enjoyed the conversations and old movies Kitty and Jimmy shared with us of the "Grapevine Inn".
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love of Our Savior and support of family and friends.

My sincere sympathies to the entire Loyd family. Having grown up next door to the Loyds, I have many, many memories of Kitty. She was truly a one-of-a-kind person, and very easy going.  May God comfort her loved ones during this time.

Kitty was truly one of God's gifts. She was remarkable. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. My memories of her will last a lifetime.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Susan Stone
The Boyer family

I am so sorry for your loss.  I so enjoyed Miss Kitty coming in to the bank.  She will be missed.  My prayers are with your family.

Diane Gieswein
Legacy Bank 21st St

Our families thoughts and prayers are with you Darin in this difficult time. God Bless you and your family!

OBITUARY

Kathleen Kitty D. Smarsh Loyd

25 May, 1923 – 23 August, 2011

Hillside Funeral Home West

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services