Kathy Wise

Kathy Wise was born September 18, 1947 in Independence, Mo. She was the second child born to Clyde Williams Thomas and Melva Alice (Tobin) Thomas. She lived the first eight years of her life in the Independence area. Her parents purchased the newspaper in Drexel, Mo. in 1954 and the family moved to Drexel.

Kathy graduated from Drexel High School in 1965 and worked at Western Electric before attending cosmetology school in the late 1960s. After graduation she went to work for Helen Hinze at her beauty shop in Drexel and was a fixture on Main Street for the next 35 plus years. She purchased the business in 1976 and operated it until her retirement on January 1, 2000.

Being raised in a politically active family led Kathy to involvement in various public and political activities. She was a Cass County Democrat Committee-woman for several years and worked on many local and state campaigns. She served in numerous capacities with the Drexel Chamber of Commerce, Drexel Alumni Association and United Methodist Church. Kathy was always one to pitch in and do whatever was needed to get a job or project done. She was also quick with her opinion, few people ever walked away from her without knowing exactly what she was thinking.

In her retirement years she and her husband Mel devoted a lot of time and fun to vintage car clubs and shows, specifically Hudson Car Clubs. There they met a whole new group of friends and fellow car enthusiasts.

Kathy’s pride and joy, however, was her daughter Melissa. Kathy, despite running her own business, rarely missed any of Melissa’s activities. She took great pride in Melissa’s successes. Kathy and Mel were equally as proud of Melissa’s children Colin, Mia and Cameron. They were able to help with getting the grandkids to various events and watch them after school. Also, like grandparents do, they provided the kids with the fun snacks and activities, despite parental protests sometimes.

Kathy is gone way too soon for those who loved her. She touched many lives in many different ways and many different avenues.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Melva, and her sister, Sherrill Stalnaker. She is survived by her soul mate and love of her life, her husband Mel. They were married on December 4, 1983 and just celebrated their 30th anniversary. She also is survived by her daughter, Melissa Wood and her husband Chris and their children Colin, Mia and Cameron of Leawood, Ks; her brother Pat and his wife Trudy of Cleveland, Mo; a whole group of adoring nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Sunday, July 13, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, Mo. Chapel. Services will be Monday, July 14, 2014 at 11 a.m. also at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.