Kathryn Keough (née Alice Kathryn Sonntag) was born in Waco, Texas, September 18, 1929, and died in her sleep in Dallas, Texas, on May 6, 2021. She was the only child of John Harrington Sonntag, Jr. and Dorothy Mae (Owen) Sonntag. Kathryn graduated from Sunset High School in Oak Cliff and attended Texas State College for Women, where she took great pleasure in being part of the modern dance group. She also developed an early interest in art through classes in oil and watercolor painting at the Art Institute of Chicago. We can still find her cubist still-life of fruit hanging over her dining table. For an after-school job she colorized black and white studio portraits for a local photographer.
Kathryn married Lacy Rhea Keele, Jr., brother of her best friend Miriam Keele, at the age of 20. While raising their two children consumed much of her energy, she still found time to help Rhea professionally by indulging in her artistic inclinations and drawing new house plot plans for his homebuilding company. Kathryn returned to university for more practical business administration classes after her marriage came to an end. Having been raised in a principled and progressive family, she chose to work in a sector that focused on improving and expanding the lives of women. Kathryn worked for non-profit women’s organizations for most of her working career and on a volunteer basis during retirement. She was a founder and executive director of the Oak Cliff branch of the YWCA. She spent many years as Dallas executive director and then Midwest director of the Girls Clubs of America. During this time she became increasingly involved in the feminist movement and Texas politics. She was a delegate to the 1977 National Women’s Conference and spent many hours volunteering for Ann Richard’s political campaigns. Even with her work and volunteer activities, Kathryn loved nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren. She treasured their visits and enjoyed sharing Dallas with them through her favorite restaurants, the State Fair and, of course, Fletcher’s Corny Dogs. She endeavored to broaden and expand their perspectives and cherished her two trips with them through Europe.
Throughout the latter half of her life, she maintained an active and fulfilling social life. Her dear friends in Dallas provided her constant companionship and undoubtedly helped her stay young and energetic. She also focused her attention on her beloved Siamese cat, Misha, and later her rescue sheltie, Wellie. Kathryn is survived by her daughter Karen Keele Rose and son Kyle Keele, her five grandchildren Kevin Rose, Fletcher Rose, Luke Keele, Zachary Keele and Elizabeth Keele Park, and five great-grandchildren.
In memory of Kathryn Keough, there will be a gathering on Saturday, May 29, 2021, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home at 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lone Star Sheltie Rescue or Planned Parenthood.
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