Kathy Viola Beddow

Kathy was born March 25, 1944 in Independence to the late John and Mary K. (Ingalls) Jackson, and spent her childhood in surrounding areas like Sugar Creek, Liberty, and Kansas City. Kathy was the middle of five children, John Jackson Jr., Elizabeth aka Libby, George Jackson and Kathleen.

At the tender age of 16, Kathy met and shortly after married her first husband William T. Morrison. They were married for 25 years and had six children, William Morrison Jr., Tammie Simsheuser, John Franklin, Cyndie Morrison, Kathie Jo Davis, and Richard Morrison. Kathy loved motherhood and children, always including the kids’ friends and neighborhood kids in family outings and gatherings. While all of Kathy’s children grew up opinionated, like their father as she would tell you, they also learned from her how to be kind and compassionate to all. Years after their divorce, Bill and Kathy found each other again in friendship as she cared for him in his last years.

Beyond her six children, Kathy has 23 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren who loved and cherished their Mam Mam very much. Nothing brought Kathy more happiness than her family and she ensured that they were large family holidays and gathering that always included great family stories. Kathy also instilled in her children/grandchildren that family is so very important, it extends beyond blood, and all are welcome.

Kathy worked as a corporate supervisor for the local Cosentino’s grocery chain for more than 40 years. She started as a cashier at their first store and grew within the company to supervisor helping to open more than 20 stores in the area. Kathy loved and took great pride in her job and cherished the lifelong friends and family she made along the way.

Even in retirement, Kathy wanted to help others and share her love and compassion, so she began work at ICAN, a care facility for the intellectually challenged. This job brought Kathy great joy and fulfillment in her later years as she was truly able to help those that deserved, and again making lifelong friends along the way.

Her parents, John Elliot and Mary Kathleen (Ingalls) Jackson and her siblings, John Jackson Jr., Elizabeth Jackson, and Kathleen Jackson, Ginger “Bess” Warren (was a sister as well) preceded Kathy in death. One child, Richard Andrew Morrison and her ex-husband, William T. Morrison precede her in death as well. She was also preceded in death by one great grandson, Zander Simsheuser and one great granddaughter, Kenizie Simsheuser.

She is survived by her children, William T. Morrison, Tammie Simshuser (Edward), John Franklin Morrison (Deanna), Cyndie Morrison, and Kathie Jo Davis (Frank). Also survived by her are 23 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She leaves many children who referred to her like a mom and children who referred to her as MAM MAM as well.

Kathy is to be cremated per her wishes and ashes buried at Mt. Moriah Cemetery. There will be a memorial gathering held in her honor on July 11, 2020 from 12-2pm at the Junior Service League, 3122 Crysler, Independence, MO 64055.