Katherine Christine Ward

Kay was born on August 11, 1966, in Kansas City, MO to Elizabeth Donnelly and Frank Duke, the second of 7 children. She graduated from Bishop Hogan High School where she met her first and last love, Thomas. She went on to get her finance degree at University of Colorado. After living all over the world she settled in Tacoma, WA for 10 years where she met some of her lifelong friends. After her daughter graduated high school, she moved back to Kansas City to be close to her family.

Kay was passionate about her family, friends, and of course, the Kansas City Chiefs (sack, fumble, interception). She was a devout Christian who enjoyed serving others through volunteering and donating. She was profoundly touched by injustices and advocated for peace and equity. She enjoyed working with numbers and especially her career with A.V. Powell & Associates, where the associates became dear friends. Kay embraced myriad challenges, including half-marathons and the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, 60-mile walk. Kay could be found taking fitness classes at Blue Bike Fitness, where her gym friends became family. Kay had special relationships with her nieces and nephews, who will miss her wit and concern. She had deep and lasting friendships. Her bold love for her husband, children and grandchildren is a manifestation of God’s presence in our lives.

She is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Thomas Ward Jr., son Thomas Ward III, daughter Ashley (Mason) Evans, her greatest blessings, her grandkids, Jordyn, Amelia, and Ethan Evans. Kay will be deeply missed by her family and friends, including 4 sisters and a brother. She was preceded in death by her sister Jennifer Burton.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 1:00pm at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1001 East 52nd Street, Kansas City, MO. Blessing of the ground at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Peace Christian Church UCC(www.peacechristianchurch.org) or Cherith Brook Catholic Worker ([email protected]).