Kitty was a 1963 graduate of Southeast High School in Kansas City, MO. There she met the love of her life, Robert Henry Knight. She attended college at Missouri State University. Bob and Kitty were united in marriage on January 28, 1967. Three sons were born to this union; Mark Langsdon and twins, Joel Andrew and Robert Brandon. When the boys were young they spent many summers hiking and many winters skiing in Colorado. The boys grew up, married and established their own families in the Kansas City area. Kitty was deeply connected to all nine of her grandchildren and faithfully invested time with each one of them. She loved planning family vacations to make memories with her “little darlings” in CO, FL, SC, CA and Atlantis.
Kitty had a passion for reading the Bible, scripture memorization and carried a wealth of Biblical knowledge. Until the very end she would often say, “Oh, I am blessed!” Kitty loved cooking for her family and exploring new recipes in her vast library of 100 plus cookbooks. The family gatherings with her delicious meals at their home of 48 years is something her family always looked forward to. They always left with a full tummy, love in their hearts and an extra plate or two.
Kitty retired from Hallmark Cards in 2007 after 30 plus years. She spent her retirement years attending the countless activities of her precious grandchildren. Marian Hope Academy, a Christian School for creative learning, (named after her granddaughter), was a special interest of hers. She volunteered for 10 years in a variety of areas, but especially loved the cooking class that she helped teach.
After giving her heart to Jesus Christ in her early 30’s, Kitty became passionate about living a Christian life. She will be remembered for her unfailing faith in the saving power and grace found only in Jesus. When Bob and Kitty attended Grandview Assembly of God they served as fun and influential youth group sponsors. During that time, they took a trip to Israel and were baptized in the Jordan River in the same spot where Jesus was baptized.
Kitty is survived by her loving husband, Robert Henry; Sons Mark (Trisha), Raymore, MO; Joel (Angie), Lee’s Summit, MO; Rob (Angela), Shawnee, KS; Brother, Jay Hayes (Sharon), Lee’s Summit, MO; Sister, Elizabeth (Wayne), Arizona; Sister-in-law, Vickie Vargas-Hayes, Raytown, MO; Grandchildren, Joshua, Brendan, Blake, Will, Mason, Audrey, Hope, Tess and Nate. She was preceded in death by her parents and her younger brother, Hal Hayes.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cullen Funeral Home in Raymore, MO. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made in Kitty’s honor to Marian Hope Academy at Marianhope.org or mailed to MHA 14820 E. 42nd Street, Independence, Missouri 64055. Please indicate in memo what it is for.
Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278
