Kathleen Jonas

Kathleen Ellen (Kathy) Jonas, 68, Overland Park, KS, passed away March 30, 2022 at her home.  She was born in Missouri but resided in Johnson County, Kansas her entire vibrant life.

Kathy’s most important roles in life were wife to Rob and mother to their two sons, who played a variety of sports. She will be remembered always for her caring nature and kindness not only to her sons, but whoever came across her path. She was a great listener and encouraged them to grow into capable adults. Her optimism and cheerful humor carried them through the toughest of times.

She worked at Grace Covenant Church as a Mother’s Day Out teacher.  She also served as PTA President and numerous committee chairs at Oak Park Elementary, Indian Woods Middle School and Shawnee Mission South High School throughout both of her children’s school years.

After the nest was empty, Kathy became a processor of new loans for Capital Federal Savings and Loan for 17 years before retiring in 2017. Her best retirement gift was the birth of grandson Owen! She thoroughly delighted in the role of grandma.

Kathy was passionate about her impeccably coordinated outfits, shoes and home décor. An avid reader, she also loved traveling, shopping and entertaining. Kathy was a great lover of chocolate and always welcomed her guests with a warm smile, a bowl of M&M’s and a glass of wine

Surviving are her husband of 45 years, Robert P. Jonas of the home; two sons Matthew P. (Angela Lutz) Jonas, Overland Park, KS and Timothy A. (Erica Steimetz) Jonas, San Francisco, CA; two sisters Melissa A. Schanze, Overland Park, KS and Lynn M. (David A. IV) Poplin, Broomfield, CO; brother Mark A. (Luz Elena Chavez) Schanze, Tempe, AZ; grandson Owen A. Jonas; niece Dara M. McGreal; and three nephews David A. (Alex) Poplin, Max A. Schanze and Oliver W. Schanze.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, August B. and Rosemary M. Schanze.

Kathy’s friends remember her as an energetic woman who accepted and enjoyed people just as they are. As an enthusiastic fan of the Kansas State Wildcats and the Kansas City Chiefs, she brought fanfare to countless tailgates, providing tableware in team colors. Kathy never met a stranger. At training camp the first year that Joe Montana played for the Chiefs, she eagerly stood in line to get the quarterback’s autograph. She introduced herself and said she lived in Overland Park. When Joe replied that he also lived in Overland Park, Kathy cheerfully exclaimed, “We’re practically neighbors!”

Kathy faced her cancer treatments with great courage and posted positive messages on her Caring Bridge page throughout her illness. Family and friends will strive to honor her memory by living life to the fullest. May her spirit find as much joy in its journey as she found in life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: http://support.pancan.org/goto/serenadekathy