Remembering Kathy Knee, 1941-2022

 

 

Kathy Knee let go of her physical pain in hospice care at 7:45 am on March 10, 2022. Two of her nieces were with her at the time. A celebration of her life will begin with a visitation from 1:00-6:00 pm on Thursday, March 17 at Heavenly Gates Mortuary, 615 W Maple, Wichita. A memorial service will include a viewing from 1:00-2:00 pm on Friday, March 18, at Bethany UMC, 1601 S Main, Wichita. Service at 2:00 pm; reception following.

Kathy will be laid to rest near her mother at the cemetery in Healy, KS at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 19, 2022.

Janice Collins Bailey: Kathlyn (Kathy) Ann Knee was known to many of our classmates from her role as Maria Von Trapp in the East High production of The Sound of Music. She was blessed with a gorgeous soprano voice that led her to a teaching career. After graduating from East, she attended Friends University where she majored in Music Education. She was a member of the Singing Quakers and later, their alumni choir.

“Do Re Mi ” Kathy Knee ’60, Ronnie Gooden ’60, Sharon Martin ’61, Marcia Benjamin (O’Donnell) ’60, Bob Brisco ’61, Sally Campbell ’60 

Kathy’s family faced challenges during her growing up years which helped her develop a strong personality and great determination. As an adult, with her kind heart and sense of responsibility, Kathy cared for her mother in her declining years. She also took care of a sister through a long, terminal illness and helped guide her niece Najy through her teen years. Kathy and I attended several of the school programs that Najy participated in at Northwest High. Kathy loved going to the movie theater, cats, dogs and gardening, and of course, singing. Kathy Knee was a loyal friend to many. Her talents and presence will be greatly missed. 

Marcia Benjamin O’Donnell: I was very fortunate to have been in all the choral groups with her and pleased to sing “Do Re Mi” and the solo parts from the Messiah with her. I remember a funny time from high school when she was driving us around in her Studebaker. She kept cursing nicely, “YOU STUPID BAKER!!” We always wondered if it would quit running. She was the oldest in the group and probably the only one who could drive legally. May she rest in peace. Love and hugs, Kathy!

 

Kathy’s niece, Anissa Rae: My Aunt Ty left this world on March 10. Najy Knee and I were fortunate to be with her at that time. She was peaceful. She had health complications that were untreatable. Illness and COVID isolation made for a difficult last few years. However, she managed to vote and stay active with reading many books and staying very opinionated. She loved her animals and more than anything, her students and teaching. She helped anyone and everyone, sometimes to her detriment, but that was her path. Her independence kept her going and her justice-mindedness kept her mind open. She cared for my mom and helped raise my sister. I will forever be in her debt kharmically. She sure loved to sing, she sure loved to garden. She also loved her church and congregation, was very faithful and in service of this world. I’ll miss her funny sayings, her energy and most of all her loving heart.

Marilyn Ash Barbeck: Kathy had the most beautiful voice. My mom always said she sounded like a bell. She was very opinionated, and if she thought you should do something she would keep after you until you said yes…and then you were glad you did! She had a huge heart and loved with all of it. Rest In Peace, Kathy, we all loved you.

Barbara Hammond: My memories of Kathy echo those of others who knew her –  strong-willed and constant. After graduation I was not interested in attending any of our early class reunions. In 1995, Kathy stopped by my mother’s house in Wichita and got my Vermont phone number from her. She called me and needled me about coming to that reunion until I finally gave in. Once I was there, it was great to catch up with her and a few other “girlfriends.” I owe it to Kathy for making me see the importance of nurturing old friendships.

Kathy was the Choir Director at her church for many years and taught vocal music at the Junior High level in the Wichita for more than 30 years. Hamilton Intermediate was her longest tenure. If ever a mob of kids that age needed a firm hand, they got it from Miss Knee and loved her for it. Although she didn’t use her Facebook page, many of her former students found it and posted complimentary greetings such as these:

“I will never forget Ms. Kathy Knee. She was very funny, loving and a caring and sometimes concerned teacher. She looked at her students as her own. I looked forward to music class everyday with her, I’m sure just as others did! There were times we protected her from the unruly kids because she was that special. May her soul rest in peace.”  

“Miss Knee is among my favorite memories from Hamilton in the mid 80s. She is in my thoughts.”

When Janice Collins Bailey and I learned that she was ill, we each were able to sit with her a couple of times before she left us behind. Her niece Anissa mentioned that during her illness Kathy said, “Everyone needs a hand to hold onto.” And so, we held hers until we couldn’t.