Kathleen Grimes

Kathleen Grimes, 94, of Paola, Kansas, passed away on November 17, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.

A celebration of life reception will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Hillsdale Presbyterian Church, 22875 W 255th Street, Paola, Kansas 66071. 

Kathleen was born on July 24, 1930, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the second of five children to Loren and Dorothy (Shriner) Mead. 

She was a graduate of Paola High School with the class of 1948. Kathleen was united in marriage to Damon Grimes on February 2, 1951, in Paola, Kansas. Together they had two daughters, Pamela and Deborah. The couple was happily married for 51 years. 

She embraced life wholeheartedly, committing herself not only to her family but also to her career. Kathleen dedicated 25 years to the Jones Store and later spent 10 years at the Paola Livestock Auction, where she forged lasting friendships and became a familiar face in the community. Kathleen’s unwavering devotion to her family defined her. She was a devoted farm wife, mother and granny, nurturing her household with compassion and care.

An avid baker and gardener, Kathleen took immense joy in preparing birthday dinners for her children and grandchildren. Her love for quilting reflected her meticulous nature and the warmth she brought to everyone around her. Each stitch she crafted contained a piece of her heart, wrapping her loved ones in comfort and affection.

Kathleen was proud to be a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was a member of the Hillsdale Presbyterian Church. Her spirit of service and commitment to her community were evident, as she consistently contributed her time and energy toward enriching the lives of others.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Loren and Dorothy Mead; her husband, Damon Grimes; and her brothers, Loren Mead Jr. and Wesley Mead.

Kathleen is survived by her beloved daughters, Pam (Joe) Mahoney of Louisburg, Kansas; Deb Grimes (Ken Selzer) of Leawood, Kansas; her five grandchildren: Chad Duncan of Paola, Kansas, Corey Duncan of Joplin, Missouri, Cassi Vohs of Louisburg, Kansas, Mallory Vaughn of Olathe, Kansas, and Mackenzie Selzer of Leawood, Kansas; eight great-grandchildren: Konnor, Myles and Ellisyn Vohs, Brecklyn and Brantley Duncan, Harper and Bentley Duncan and Briley Vaughn; two sisters, Camella Harbison of Paola, Kansas, and Jewel Blume of Spring Hill, Kansas; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will carry her memory into the future.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to the USD 416 Endowment Association, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.

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