Kathryn “Kathy” L. Kohls, 87, passed away Saturday, June 2, 2018 in Ellsworth, less than an hour before her late husband’s 90th birthday. She was born August 4, 1930 near Viola, KS to Robert and Minnie (Schmeissner) Barnett.

Kathy married Arthur “Art” Kohls in rural Clearwater on November 20, 1954. They met when Kathy took a teaching job in Ellsworth after receiving her teacher’s certificate from Southwestern College. After living near Clearwater for 23 years, the couple then moved back to Ellsworth in 1977. Kathy was a faithful farmwife helping Art out with all of the farming.

Kathy was a longtime board member and treasurer for the Ellsworth County Historical Society. She was instrumental in the completion of the new research center on the museum complex and was part of the group that saw the construction of the Drovers Cottage assisted living facility. She also formed the Ellsworth Grief Group following the loss of her husband, Art, in 2015.

Kathy is survived by her son, Robin (Brenda) Kohls of Ellsworth; son, Doug (Mary) Kohls of Clearwater; daughter, Janet (Larry) Mater of Owasso, OK; 7 grandchildren, Brook (Dr. Chris) Hagen, Wendy (Corey) Hough, Morgan (Josh) Schmitt, Nathan (Becca) Kohls, Kevin (Kim) Kohls, Jared Kohls, and Miranda (Shane) Fleming; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Lois Cain; and brother, John Barnett (Ethelyn). She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Art; and sister, Doris Payne.

Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, with family present 3-7 p.m.

Funeral service: 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 8, 2018 at First United Methodist Church, Ellsworth, with burial following in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ellsworth County Historical Society, First United Methodist Church, or Ellsworth County Medical Center, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.