Katie Cox
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Katie (Catherine) Cox died on November 11, 2018, at the age of 95, in Lawrence, Kansas. Born in St. John, KS, on September 27, 1923, to Oscar and Lydia Robinson, Katie graduated from St. John High School before attending Fort Hayes State University. In 1942, she married William Cox (deceased) who was in the U.S. Army Air Corps and after the war, she and Bill settled in Salina where Katie was a homemaker until 1963 when she moved to Lawrence. Here she worked as an administrative assistant for the K.U. Housing Department for 26 years. When Katie retired in 1989, she was recognized by Governor Hayden for her long and outstanding service.
Katie was a beloved member of Christ Community Church and volunteered with their work at the Lawrence International Nutritional Kitchen. She was also an active volunteer at the Presbyterian Manor where she lived for 16 years and was a member of the University Women’s Club, K.U. Alumni Association, and the Ladies Orchards Golf Club. An avid Jayhawk basketball fan, her friends and family knew not to call her during a game!
Katie was the proud mother of three sons who will miss her: Dr. Kent (Adrienne) Cox, Karl (Billie) Cox, and Robert (Moira) Cox. She is survived by three grandchildren: David (Alison) Cox, Richard (Amanda) Cox, and Katie (Russell) Williams as well as six great-grandchildren. Her sister Virginia (Charles) Giles and sister-in-law Carol Heim also survive her.
Katie led a life full of many blessings due to her unshakable belief in God and her commitment to service. She loved, and was loved by, her family and many friends who knew she would always be available if needed.
A memorial service will be held in the Presbyterian Manor chapel on November 13th at 1:00 PM. Pastor Barclay from Christ Community Church will preside, and a brief reception will follow.
The McManness family loved both of your parents very much. I just looked at the obituary and was disappointed to see that we have missed her service. Katie was such a special person, her love for God and those around her was very obvious. I am praying that God will grant you special comfort at this difficult time.
Katie taught me so much from the time I worked as a student at the KU Housing Office with her in the mid-late 70’s. What a dynamo! We worked very hard for JJ Wilson and occasionally earned a smile from him. One of my favorite memories of working with Katie was when we were taking a break and talking about her time growing up when she caught a glimpse of JJ coming around the corner in his vehicle and we shifted into high gear…..we did not want to be caught ‘slacking’. Talk about scrambling! HAHAHA
I had lunch with her at Applebee’s and at Presbyterian Manor several times in the last year and we always had something to laugh about. Her faith in God was always a point of our conversation – in person and in our annual birthday phone calls. She was so proud of her sons and her family. A good friend and mentor – she will be missed.