Kathryn B. Douglas

Kathryn B. Ising Douglas, 97, passed away peacefully with her children by her side on October 29, 2022. Kathryn was born on April 7, 1925 to Bruno and Alice Ising. During her grade school years, Kathryn attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Redemptorist High School. Kathryn married Howard B. Douglas on August 23, 1947. Kathryn was a homemaker and raised five children and went back to work in 1962 to pay for their Catholic educations.

During her working years, Kathryn was employed at Hallmark Cards, Terrace Lake Thriftway and later retired in 1990 from the IRS Bannister office as Supervisor. She was a member of St. Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Church for 70 years and belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society. She frequently volunteered for church activities and with the Little Sisters of the Poor.

After her retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her sisters and friends to various places like Hawaii, Branson, MO, Notre Dame, Colorado, St. Louis and Lake of the Ozarks. Kathryn was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend to many. She fiercely loved her family and her faith. She was very famous for her Christmas stockings that she made for family and friends from 1954 until her eyesight failed her in 2018.

She is survived by her children, Susie Gnefkow, Kenny Douglas (Diane), Dianne Gormly, Greg (Podge) Douglas; sisters, Mary Alice Ising; and Martha Parish (Dick); grandchildren, Chris Gnefkow Hime (Phil), Michelle Gnefkow VanTrump (Kevin), Michael Gnefkow Jr. (Blanca), Damon Gormly, Matt Gormly (Kylie), Katie Gormly, Michelle Haag (Chuck); 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Howard Douglas; son, Dennis (Bussy) Douglas; parents, Bruno and Alice Ising; brothers, Ed, Jack and Mike Ising; sister, Ruth Ising Freund; sons-in-law, Michael Gnefkow Sr., Joseph Gormly Jr.

Visitation will be held from 6-8pm (Rosary at 6:00pm) on Wednesday, November 9 in St. Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, November 10 in St. Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Church with interment to follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to KC Hospice House-Wornall or the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation in honor of Luke Borgman.

Special Thanks:

Thank you to all who have helped us this last year. Mom’s nieces, nephews and grandchildren for the delicious food from the meal train. To the ones that gave us breaks and goodies at the re-hab. Judy and Stacy you will never be forgotten for the loving care you gave Mom. Thank you to all that gave their outpouring of love and support and continued prayers.

Susie, Kenny, Dianne and Podge