On May 10, 2023, Kathleen Susan McKown of Ulysses KS, passed away at the age of 73 in Wichita KS. Kathy was born to TJ and Margaret Armstrong on 8/8/1949, in Wichita KS, the 2nd of 13 children. She was raised in Mulvane KS and became a registered nurse, moving to Ulysses KS in 1975.

Kathy stayed very busy in her adult life with 4 kids to raise, her nursing career, and her hobbies. Over the years she worked at Western Prairie Care Home, taught CNA classes, was the school nurse for USD 214, Grant County Health Department, and worked at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church and enjoyed teaching classes about her faith as well as singing in the choir. She also loved to bake and sew, often using her expertise in these areas for donations to the annual Bizarre at church, for different fundraisers, and her kids’ special events. When Kathy wasn’t busy with one of these activities, she spent her time reading or enjoying Disney movies, westerns, and musicals with her kids.

Kathy’s life changed dramatically on January 10, 1997, when she had a debilitating stroke and was never able to work again. Although she lost her ability to do many of the things she loved, she was able to continually spread joy and touch hearts with her positive attitude, loving heart, and orneriness.

Kathy is preceded in death by her son, Damien Christopher; parents, TJ & Margaret Armstrong; brother-in-law, Willis Musick; brother, Tim Armstrong; and sister, Becky Ramsey. She is survived by her daughters, Denise & Tommy Yorkman, Margaret & Tim Nightengale, Niki & Jerry Bowhay, and her son, Sean & Robyn McKown; and seven grandchildren, Megan & Ryan Nightengale, Randi & Braden Leiker, Chandler & Averi Kate McKown, and Eli McKown. Also survived by brothers, Tom (Terri), John (Marsha), Jerry, Jim (Denise), Denis (Paula), and brother-in-law, Ralph Ramsey; sisters, Terry (Ron) Ast, Sherry Smith, Mollie Grill, Micki Armstrong, and Peggy Armstrong, and many nieces and nephews.

To know Kathy was to love her and she will be greatly missed. Her children are at peace knowing that she has joined their brother and family members in Heaven, celebrating her arrival and singing praises to her Lord, Jesus Christ.

Kathy’s children would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to so many for all the support you have given us over the last 26 years. Words cannot express our overwhelming gratitude to our family, friends, and community. Reflection Living Indian Hills was the perfect place for Kathy these last couple of years. She was happy until the end. Phoenix Home Care & Hospice was fabulous with her and our family as we transitioned through her final stages of life.

Kathy’s rosary will be Friday, May 19, 2023, at 9:30 AM with funeral mass following at 10:00 AM at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses KS with Reverend Charles Sewiert officiating. She will be inurned in her final resting place, with her son and parents in Mulvane KS at a later date. In lieu of flowers/plants, please consider donating to the Father John Scholarship Fund at Mary Queen of Peace Church, Phoenix Home Care & Hospice, or any other charity of your choice. Kathy’s children do not have her green thumb! Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.