Kathleen Sue (Holdren) Tatro

Kathleen Sue (Holdren) Tatro, affectionately known as Kathy, was born on October 5, 1946, in Concordia, KS. She was the embodiment of love, kindness, and humor, and her spirit was contagious. She passed away on September 18, 2023, in Topeka, KS, after a spirited battle with pneumonia and sepsis. She fought hard, but the angels needed a good laugh, so they called her home.

Kathy was a proud graduate of Montrose High School, Class of '64. She then went on to become a medical transcriptionist and secretary, creating a legacy of hard work and dedication at Salina Regional Health Center. She worked tirelessly, and her colleagues often said that her laughter could be heard echoing down the hospital corridors.

Family was at the heart of Kathy's world. She is survived by her son, Brian Tatro (Naomi), and her sister, Jeri Holdren, and brother, Butch Holdren. She was the fun-loving and doting grandmother to Donna Smith (Briar), Emil Tregellas, Travis Graham (Leigh Ann), Heather Tatro McClure, and Brandon Tatro. Her brother Dwight Holdren predeceased her and we're sure he was waiting with open arms to welcome her to the great beyond. Kathy had a special place in her heart for her nephew, Michael Holdren, who sadly passed before her.

Kathy was a die-hard Elvis Presley fan. If it had Elvis's face on it, she owned it. She had an extensive collection of Elvis memorabilia that would make Graceland seem like a starter pack. She loved Elvis so much that she often joked that she was his secret wife. She'd say, "If only Elvis had met me, Priscilla wouldn't have stood a chance!"

In her free time, Kathy was a social media maven. She loved staying connected with family and friends on Facebook. Her posts, always humorous and full of love, were the highlight of many people's day. She was the queen of GIFs, and her use of emojis was second to none.

Kathy had a heart full of love and a laugh that was infectious. She had a knack for turning the ordinary into extraordinary with her sense of humor. As the great Robin Williams once said, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." Kathy embodied this quote. Her spark of madness was a beacon of joy that illuminated the lives of everyone she met.

Her daughter, Barbara Tatro Tregellas, preceded Kathy in death. We like to think that they're up there now, sharing a good laugh and shaking things up in the afterlife. After all, heaven wouldn't be the same without Kathy's jokes and Barbara's infectious smile.

In all, Kathleen Sue (Holdren) Tatro was a woman of substance, love, and humor. Her life was a testament to the power of laughter and the strength of family bonds. She may have left this world, but her spirit and laughter will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Here's to Kathy, a woman who truly was the life of the party. May her jokes keep the angels in stitches and her love continue to warm our hearts.

Please join in celebrating Kathy's life at the Jamestown Community Building (703 Spruce) on Saturday, October 21st at 11am. Then following will be a graveside service at 1pm at Montrose Cemetery to honor Kathy, Barbara, and Michael together at last. Kathy, Barbara, and Michael will be buried together.