Kathleen Ann Ward

Kathleen Ann Ward, 66, of Tecumseh, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones on June 18, 2021.

She was born in Topeka, Kansas on April 21, 1955 the daughter of John and Patricia (McKinney) Shortall Jr.

Kathy was a 1973 graduate of Hayden High School and attended Washburn University.

She helped run the family business, Data-Tel Communications from 1987 to 2020.

Kathy was a woman of strong faith and family values.  She loved to watch the birds, and entertain on the back patio on the lake in which they lived.  You may find her there reading a book and enjoying a glass of wine.  She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family, grandchildren and her girl friends for life.  Kathy was a very selfless and humble person who always thought of others first which was reflected in the card sending that marked every special occasion of those she loved.  Kathy will be remembered as a thoughtful gift giver, and enjoyed her online shopping. 

Kathy loved watching Mark and Paige grow up playing competitive baseball and volleyball.  She and her family also enjoyed following the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, as well as the Kentucky Derby and the Indy 500.

Kathy married Mark Ward in Topeka, Kansas on May 12, 1979.  He survives her.  She is also survived by a son Mark Ward II and his wife Heather and daughter Ryann, a daughter Paige Jones and husband Philip and their children Kai and Lawson, a brother John Shortall II and wife Amy and their children, Taylor and Sam Shortall, a sister Jan Andersen and her daughter Alex (Yann) Coquoz, sister-in-law, Ellen Pereira and her husband Gene and their sons and families, Mark (Bridget) Pereira and children Tess and Jake, and Kevin (Cary) Pereira and their children, Cy, Ella and Joe, and her cousin, Jeff Gutting.  She will also be missed by her four-legged companion, Whistler. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Lisa and her brother-in-law, B. B. Andersen.

A rosary will be prayed for Kathy at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 1^st at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m.  A celebration of life will follow the service at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Avenue, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Kathy’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Interim Health Home Hospice for the compassionate care and kindness they extended to her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Topeka Rescue Mission, Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas, or to the Topeka Community Foundation to benefit the Topeka 20/30 Club and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.