Mary Catherine Matherly

Kay graduated from the University of Missouri–Kansas City with a degree in Education. Her husband, Rudolph Thomas Matherly, passed away January 22, 2010. They were married 55 years.

A woman of deep faith, Kay loved her family and her country. For several years, she taught at a parochial school before serving the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Section Leader. After retiring, she worked many years at a local bank until she decided to leave to care for her ailing husband.

Kay was social. She loved when people dropped in to chat. She would put on a pot of coffee. She played cards—Canasta, Pinochle, Nerts and poker. She read voraciously. There were enough books around the house to fill a library. After a full day, she retreated to a special chair to read as long as she could before her husband would call out, “Kay! Turn out the light and come to bed!” She was political, opinionated, sensible. She was generous with her love, time and energy. She hosted Christmas and holidays. She was the hub of the family. She loved her family and made sure they knew it. She was a faithful prayer warrior. Fittingly, she was a rock who always stood in the gap and made up the hedge around us before the LORD.

Kay leaves behind four children: R. Thomas Matherly, Susan Diane VanMorlan (Edward), Janice Catherine Hand (Sean), and Debra Kay Chapman; 13 grandchildren: Logan (Michelle), Jacqui (Matthew), Nolan, David, Maria (Michael), Jeffrey (Ellie), Ryan, Michael, Catherine, Mary, Suzanne, Joey, and Hunter; and 10 great-grandchildren: Kyuss, Naomi, Liam, Harris, Christian, Molly, Matthew, Maggie, Raymond, Evelyn and a wee one not yet born. Kay was also survived by her sister Suzie Wilcox, brother John (Mary Vincent) Walzl, brother Michael (Carol) Walzl and sister Carol (Charlie) Mentesana and many nephews, nieces and other family members.

A Rosary will be said at 6:00 p.m. February 11, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. at McGilley State Line Chapel. Mass will be held 10:00 a.m., February 12 at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, followed by a reception at the home.