Kathy Kraft

Mary Kathleen ("Kathy”) Kraft, born on October 3, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, left this world on October 13, 2023. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who touched the lives of countless people with her kindness, love, and infectious laughter.

The daughter of Leonard James and Maude Genevieve Wall, she was a native of Kansas City. She had a passion for life from an early age, always carrying a fiery, cheerful spirit that would become her trademark.

On August 14, 1965, Kathy married the love of her life, Tom Kraft, and together they embarked on a journey filled with love and adventure that spanned over 58 years. Their love was an inspiration to all who knew them and a testament to the power of a strong, enduring, and faith filled marriage.

Kathy was a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and loyal friend. Known to her 17 grandchildren as “Nana,” she cherished spending time with her loved ones. Kathy was the proud Irish matriarch of her large, extended family and was the indispensable organizer of all fun gatherings, large and small. Dedicated to her faith, she carved out time to lend her boundless compassion and generosity to Our Lady of the Presentation, Catholic Parish serving on the school board, parish council, as a lay minister, coach, and volunteer teacher.

As a young adult, Kathy treasured her time as special education teacher at Marillac School. In 1975, Tom and Kathy founded Lawn & Leisure, a John Deere dealership starting in Lee’s Summit. Kathy served the operation in accounting and together with Tom they grew the business year over year servicing the community and providing careers to many. Working seasonally at H&R Block for 22 years, Kathy enjoyed sharing her expertise of tax preparation with many family and friends.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Kathy introduced many southeast Kansas City parochial schools and student athletes to volleyball. She was the parochial league director for volleyball for over a decade, coached numerous teams, organized coaching clinics and camps and eventually founded the Longview Juniors USA Volleyball club. Her instructions from the coaches’ bench, or the stands were too many to count, but “CALL the ball” was her mantra and battle cry. Her commitment to helping young people grow and thrive will leave an enduring legacy in the many lives she influenced.

She is survived by her husband Tom Kraft and siblings Jim Wall, Dan Wall (Jill), and six children and seventeen grandchildren: Kelly Williams (Breck- Keegan, Lizzy, Olivia, Megan); Tom Kraft II (Mylee– Rachael, McKenzie, Gabe); Kerri McNett (Matt– Kailey, Riley, Gage); Jeff Kraft (Amy– Caden, Ainsley); Sandy Braun (Matt– Ellie, Jack, Luke), and Steve Kraft (Erin – twins Ben and Mary). She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, her infant brother Michael, sister Colleen Gallagher, sister-in-law Rose Wall, and her grandson Braden Williams. Their memory remains in our hearts.

Kathy’s unwavering love and support shaped our lives, leaving an indelible mark on so many people. The Irish twinkle in her eye and her contagious laughter made her storytelling legendary. Her passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but her spirit will forever shine brightly as a beacon of love, joy, and inspiration. May she rest in peace….”Call the ball!”

Visitation (Sunday, October 22nd from 5:00-8:00 p.m. - the Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 p.m.) and Mass of Christian Burial (Monday, October 23rd, 10:00 a.m.) will be held at Our Lady of the Presentation Church, 130 NW Murray Road, Lee’s Summit., MO. Burial immediately following at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in her memory be made to her favorite charities: F.I.R.E. (Foundation for Inclusive Religious Education) https://firefoundation.org and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NmauS8TlxM