Kathryn Lynn Erickson

Kathryn Lynn (Sophy) Erickson, 71, passed peacefully while surrounded by family on May 11, 2022. Kathy was born September 2, 1950, to Dan and Phyllis Sophy in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the middle child, with an older sister (Linda) and younger brother (Tim).

Kathy attended St. James, Loretto Academy and graduated from Raytown High School. She was a natural performer and studied dance under Shirley Marley of Miller-Marley School of Dance. She was a seasonal cast member of Starlight Theater and performed with many of her favorite actors and musicians. Kathy was selected as a Royalette to perform in the 1964 American Royal Coronation Ball, choreographed by Jimmie DeFore.

As a fierce Kansas City Chiefs fan, Kathy was honored to be chosen as an inaugural Chiefette in 1965. She continued to cheer her beloved Chiefs into their 2020 Super Bowl win!

As an adult, Kathy owned and operated Blue Springs School of Dance in Blue Springs, Missouri. Later in life, she returned to postsecondary education to earn an associate degree. She began working as a manager for Beauty Brands and retired 20 years later from the Liberty location. Kathy loved her Beauty Brands team like family, and the feelings were easily reciprocated.

Kathy spent her free time with family – casino trips with her brother, attending her granddaughter’s various school activities, card game nights and sharing good food and hearty laughs. Kathy married Mark Bopp in 1989 and enjoyed years of happiness.

The ultimate loves of her life were her daughter and granddaughter. She was ever-present in their lives with eternal love and support. Kathy shared a warm smile with all she met. Her smile and loving nature will forever be remembered and greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Phyllis Sophy; sister, Linda Carroll; nephews, Scott Cecil and Matthew Cecil; and grandson, Andrew Rome.

Kathy is survived by her daughter, Danica (Kirk) Rome; granddaughter, Madison Rome; brother, Tim (Carol) Sophy; nephews, Tim (Heather) Sophy, Jr., Nick (Kellie) Sophy, and Shane Cecil; and nieces, Stacey (Jeff) Thompson and Mindy Cecil and bonus daughter, Jennifer (Cornelius) Kingcannon.

Visitation services will be at held at White Chapel Funeral Home on Friday, May 13 from 6-8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Kathy Erickson’s honor to the American Cancer Society (1100 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, Missouri 64105, https://www.cancer.org/).

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss