Sarah “Kathy” Kathryn Reser, 78, of Castle Rock, Colorado, passed away on April 11, 2026. Born in Burlingame, Kansas on May 31, 1947, she was the daughter of Marjorie Murtaugh, a music teacher, and Robert Markley, a farmer. Kathy will be remembered as a feisty, loyal, charming, and kind presence—someone whose unwavering support made others feel seen, capable, and encouraged, because no one wanted to see you succeed more than Kathy.
Kathy graduated from Burlingame High School in 1965 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1969 from Washburn University in Kansas. During her years at Washburn, she was heavily involved in Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, building friendships and connections that remained meaningful throughout her life.
Kathy devoted more than 30 years of service to Washburn University, working in various capacities over a long and steady career marked by commitment and professionalism. She retired in 2012 as the Director of Student Union, a role that reflected her dedication to student life and the daily work of building community.
Kathy was married to Gary Reser for 47 years. Together they shared a life shaped by deep partnership and enjoyment of the world around them—traveling widely, taking road trips across North America, attending music and sporting events, and going to the movies. She was a proud and enthusiastic fan of the Kansas City Royals, the Chiefs, and Kansas State Football.
An avid reader, Kathy participated in different book clubs and found joy in thoughtful conversation and shared stories. She also loved preparing her home for the holidays and the changing of the seasons, bringing warmth and intention to the everyday rhythms of life. Kathy cared deeply about politics, women’s rights, and education, and she carried those convictions with clarity and purpose.
Kathy remained active in Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni and was a member of PEO, where she served as president in 2024–2025. Her leadership reflected her steady belief in friendship, service, and supporting others—values she lived out in both large and quiet ways.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Gary Reser; her son, Chris Glenn and his wife Christi; her daughter, Beth Roybal and her husband Birch; her grandchildren: Linden Roybal, Luke Roybal, Logan Roybal, and Reese Glenn; her sister, Susan Seltsam and her husband Jim Seltsam; her brother, Edward Markley and his wife Deanna Markley; and her brother-in-law, Greg Reser and his wife Barbara, along with a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
