Born September 25th, 1951, Kathy passed away peacefully at her home on Table Rock Lake in Branson West, Missouri, at the age of 72.
Survived by her loving husband of 50+ years, Lyndal Gerald Vessar Jr; her adoring children Patricia Vessar, Donald Vessar and wife Joani, Jennifer Johnson and husband Michael, Audalyn Vessar, Gerrett Vessar and wife Jenn; 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; her beloved siblings Nancy Schuler and husband Terry, Ted White and wife Joann, brother-in-law Gayle Vessar and wife Juanita; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents James Otis White and Audrey Evalyn White (Chaney), in-laws Lyndal G. Vessar Sr and Marie Anna Vessar (Huber), brothers Bill White and Tim White, sisters Carol Ragland and Geraldine McClarty, niece Shelley Long, and nephew James White.
Kathy grew up in Kansas, attending Elwood Schools, graduating Salutatorian in 1969. She attended Highland Community College and Missouri Western State College obtaining her Bachelors in Physical Education with a minor in Art Education. She was proud to have received one of the last issued lifetime teaching certificates. As an Army wife, Kathy was an excellent mother, always involved in her children’s activities, including being a scouts leader, coaching sports, volunteering as a room mother, and even taking on newspaper routes when her kids just couldn’t. Although raising three girls and two boys may have had its ups and downs, her husband and family claim she was an amazing homemaker and wife!
Over the years, Kathy also worked as an audiologist for Northern Iowa Area Education Agency, a teacher for a childcare center and local schools, and a team member in retail stores, Montgomery Wards and Target. After her husband retired from ConAgra Foods, they embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure together, owning and operating Shore Acres Resort on Table Rock Lake, where she rocked the role as hostess while making many good friends over the fourteen years.
Kathy was known for fiercely loving her family, telling it like it is, being the keeper of all the family birthdates, anniversaries, and favorite recipes, laughing until hyperventilating, and having enormous pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. On road trips when her kids were younger, she mastered the art of assembling bologna sandwiches on her legs while also refereeing all the way to the back of the station wagon. Throughout travels with her husband, Kathy enjoyed being the copilot serving as a professional map folder, official deer patrol (especially on DD highway), and the model in any photo opportunities. Outdoors, she enjoyed planting and caring for her many flower beds and pots, observing hummingbirds fighting over the sweet nectar in her feeders, and making friends with squirrels, feeding them oatmeal cookies by hand on the deck. Kathy’s hobbies included hunting for Hot Wheels to add to her enormous collection, purchasing the series or latest of Hallmark ornaments she loved, and caring for her Barbie and porcelain doll collections. She also curated an array of scrapbooks that the family will continue to enjoy.
Kathy will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew her.
In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
Celebration of Life Visitation will be held Saturday, October 5, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Heaton- Bowman-Smith Sidenfaden Chapel, St.Joseph, MO. A private Inurnment will be held on a later date at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Kansas. Cremation is under the direction of the Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.
