Kathy A. Holloway

Kathy A. Holloway, 63, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023, due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. She was born on July 31, 1959 in Kansas City, Missouri to Lawrence and Marjorie (Miller) Rice.

Kathy became a Christ follower at an early age at Colonial Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Center High School with the class of 1977, and graduated from the University of Kansas in 1981 with a bachelors' degree in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career at Tomahawk Elementary in Olathe, Kansas. That is where Miss Rice became Mrs. Holloway to her fourth grade students.

Kathy met Duane Holloway at Colonial Presbyterian Church in 1981, and they were married at that church on July 31, 1982.

Daughter Katie was born in 1985 in Overland Park, and that was when Kathy became a stay-at- home mom. When Katie was only one year old, they moved to Dallas for a career opportunity for Duane. Kathy was reluctant to leave Kansas City, so they agreed that if it was a bad move after 2 years, they could always move back. Ten years later, they did move back. And while they lived in Dallas, Sarah was born in 1987 and Sam was born in 1990. Living in Plano, Texas was a rich experience for the whole family, marked by many deep friendships and spiritual growth.

But one other thing happened in Texas in 1992. Kathy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. At first it affected only her feet, but over the years it affected her entire body, to where she was quadriplegic the past several years. MS did not define Kathy. But the way she responded did. She never complained to others, she remained selfless in her words and actions – always more concerned about others, including the many healthcare providers. Kathy leaned on the promises of God, and in Kathy's weakness, the power of Christ was her strength.

Kathy enjoyed hosting and leading women's bible studies, and hardly a year went by in her entire life that she did not have one going. She loved watching her children and grandchildren playing sports or piano or karate, to name a few; board games and cards with family, and she usually beat them all. She always liked being on a boat on a lake, and before she had MS, she water skied, snow skied, jogged. Kathy loved riding horses for many years, even after her diagnosis. Kathy and Duane enjoyed Alaskan Cruises on their 25th, 30th and 35th wedding anniversaries. Chiefs, Royals, Jayhawk fan. And Kathy loved to read. She spent hours listening to audio books when she was not able to turn pages herself anymore.

Kathy was selfless, she had a gentle strength and was a spiritual model to scores of women, and a mentor-mom to many more. She reflected Christ in all her relationships.

Perhaps the best way to honor Kathy is to list some of the comments from friends and family:
Selfless, faithful, loving mother and Nana, courageous, spiritual mentor, a "mentor mom", Christ-like, Moms-in-Touch leader, impactful, abundance of grace and mercy, cheerleader, infectious smile, and beautiful inside and out.


Kathy's favorite scripture was 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
"Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen since what seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Kathy began her eternal glory on July 1, 2023, in the presence of God who will surely say to her, "well done good and faithful servant", and "here is your crown of life for you persevered under many trials".

She was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Rice, Jr.
Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Duane Holloway; mother, Marjorie Rice; sister Nancy L. Rice; brother John Rice; her children Katie (Holloway) Weil and husband BJ, Sarah (Holloway) Williams and husband Ryan, and Sam Holloway and partner Claire Shelley; Grandchildren Pierce Weil, Blaine Weil, Landry Weil, Reed Weil, Clarke Williams, Cooper Williams.

The family will receive guests for a reception from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Penwell-Gabel's Olathe Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Journey Bible Church in Olathe.

The family requests that memorial contributions in Kathy's memory be made to Joni and Friends. Kathy and Joni Eareckson Tada became friends several years ago after a fund raiser in Kansas City. Joni has been a quadriplegic and in a wheelchair for over 50 years. Through her writings, devotionals, podcasts and recorded messages, Joni taught Kathy how to "suffer well" and to "be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing in the Lord".

Joni founded Joni and Friends, and their mission is "We bring practical help and Gospel hope to people with disabilities around the world."
Click Here to donate online.


To leave a message of condolence for Kathy's family or to share a special memory of her, please visit the guestbook below.