Kathryne Dollis Ford, a beloved educator, cherished wife, mother, and grandmother of Cosby, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 77.
Born on September 29, 1946, in Jackson, Missouri, Kathryne was the daughter of Cecil and Lucile (Stewart) Seabaugh. In December 1968, she married her soulmate, Dennis Nelson Ford.
Kathryne's passion for education was evident from the start. She earned her degree in Elementary Education from Northwest Missouri State University, where she not only excelled academically but also showcased her spirit as a varsity cheerleader and a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha social sorority. Her career in education spanned many years, beginning as a dedicated 2nd-grade teacher at John Glenn Elementary. Later, she transitioned to the role of librarian in both the Savannah and St. Joseph school districts. Her commitment to education extended beyond traditional classrooms as she also taught at the Ruth Huston Learning Center, where she found immense joy in helping individuals earn their GEDs.
A woman of diverse interests and affiliations, Kathryne was a member of the Savannah Christian Church and engaged in several social organizations, including Swiss Lodge Lady Edelweiss Society and Semper Fidelis.
Beyond her professional and social pursuits, Kathryne was a devoted family woman. Her husband, Dennis, their children, Dallas Ford (Dana) of Shawnee, KS, and Adam Ford (Deetra) of Faucett, MO, as well as her grandchildren, Riley, Jenna, Brendan, Davin, and Lily Ford, meant the world to her. Kathryne found great fulfillment in nurturing and teaching not only her students but also her own children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Dennis; her children, grandchildren, brother Clark Seabaugh (Claudia) of Bedford, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Kathryne was preceded in death by her parents.
Farewell Services & Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Andrew County Museum or Rolling Hills Library. Condolences and memories can be shared in the online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. Kathryne will be deeply missed, her impact on education and her family forever cherished.
