Katherine Ruth Gillihan
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Katherine Ruth Gillihan passed away peacefully August 6,2024 at Cedarhurst Senior Living/Memory Care in Lawrence, Kansas with family by her side. A celebration of her life will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Kathy was born June 1, 1934, in Buffalo, Kansas to Samuel and Rachel (Jordan) Solomon and was one of five children.
Kathy married Donald (Don) Gillihan on September 4, 1958. They were blessed to be married for 60 years until Don’s passing in 2019. They moved to Lawrence in 1960 and raised two sons, Steve (Huffman) and Mark. Kathy and Don joined the Catholic Church in 1986 at St. John’s Evangelist and later became members of Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
Kathy worked for Boys and Girls State and was a special education para-professional at Cordley Elementary School where she was a gift to many children, touching their lives with her kindness and compassion.
She and Don loved to spend time with friends dancing at the VFW and Eagles, traveling to Louisiana for Crawfish boils and to Texas for mechanical bull riding at Gilley’s. Gambling was a passion of theirs. Once retired, they caravanned with friends to Nevada each winter and spenttime at the slots in Prairie Band.
Kathy enjoyed meeting people wherever she went, friends came quite easily with her infectious laugh and sense of humor.
Her greatest joy was found when spending time with her 4 grandchildren: Kayla Altman (Cribb), Kasey Gryszowka (Matt), Ryan Gillihan and Jordan Gillihan; and 6 great grandchildren: Halston, Huntley, Hollis Altman and Grayson, Harlow, Rowan Gryszowka. She adored spoiling them all whether it was shopping, getting a bite to eat, or that extra scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or slice of pie. There was singing, dancing, laughing, and playing for hours any time they would sleep over!
Kathy was preceded in death by her loving husband; her parents; siblings Charlie, Nick, Grant, and Leona.
She is survived by her two sons; her daughter-in-law’s, Kathy Gillihan and Patsy Burkhead Huffman; brother, John (Darlene); brother-in-law, Mike Gillihan; her grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends from 1-2 pm Wednesday, August 14 at Warren-McElwain prior to the service. Immediately after the service, her final resting place will be at Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Memorial contributions may be made in Katherine’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Meals on Wheels, or Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I worked with Kathy at Cordley Elementary School in the 70’s and 80’s. She worked hard as we all did and it warmed my heart seeing that beautiful picture of her and remembering all the fantastic kids, families, and teachers we connected with. Thank you for sharing her with all of us!
Mark, Kathy and family – Please know that you are in my thoughts. I’m sending as much love as possible your way.
Mark ,Steve and family. Kathy was a wonderful person and always welcoming to everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark, my heart breaks for you and your family. Clearly your mother was an amazing force in raising you and your brother, and in serving the community. May your abundance of fond memories help to sustain you in your grief. Much love to all.
Steve and Mark, I am so sorry to read about your mom passing away. She was a great lady. I knew her for many years, when you guys use to live over by the pool on Maple Lane. I lived not too far so we use to run back and forth we had a good time. I moved away so I sort lost track of her but I never forgot her. Your dad and I both came from Chanute so we all enjoyed talking about old times. She will always be in my heart.
May the lord be with all of you
Marge
To all of Kathy’s family- when we lose a loved one it leaves a void in our life that can never be replaced. My heart broke when I learned of Kathy’s passing. Kathy and Don were family to me. Watching them and my parents enjoying life together are memories I’ll treasure forever. It was a blessing to have known Kathy. Sending love and prayers to you’ll.
Mark,Kathy,Steve, Patsy, and family; I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am so sorry for your loss! I worked with Kathy many years ago at Cordley. She was fun to work with- a great sense of humor and a joy to be around!