Theresa Raydo

Theresa “Tess” Raydo, 100, died on November 8, 2024 in Olathe, KS. Theresa was born on January 12th,1924 in Nazareth, PA, the daughter of John and Theresia (Dergosits) Nikles. Her mother died when she was only 6 years old. A model high school student and beauty, she was selected Queen of the annual May Dance and awarded a scholarship upon graduation. She married John Raydo of Bethlehem, PA on May 8, 1943. Due to John’s career, they moved from PA to NYC to Wichita to Johnson County, KS where they settled.

Theresa and John gradually acquired numerous residential properties in Johnson County. She was extremely hard-working; responsible for repairs, maintenance, hiring workers, leases, collection of rents, and recordkeeping of an extensive portfolio. In 1974 they purchased the Munzel-Keach office building in Mission. Theresa also devoted much of her life volunteering for numerous organizations. During the 1950’s when polio became a major epidemic, Theresa volunteered with the March of Dimes, serving as executive secretary for the Johnson County chapter. She joined the Landlords of Johnson County, a professional organization for real estate owners, serving as president and mentoring hundreds of landlords for almost 30 years. During the same time period, she volunteered with the Veterans Voices Writing Project for hospitalized veterans, serving as Treasurer. She and John purchased shoes for school children from Holy Name Catholic School in KCK. John was the secret “Shoe Santa” for several decades, allowing children in need to pick out shoes because a kind stranger bought shoes for him as an orphan.

She was also devoted to her faith and family. While juggling these many activities, she raised four children and babysat grandchildren. She and her husband were long-time active members of St. Agnes parish in Westwood. She was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church for the past 8 years.

Theresa was preceded in death by her husband, John, of 66 years, parents John and Theresia, stepmother Anna (Posivac), brothers Frank, Ed, John, Joe, and Wilheim (age 2), half-sister Anna Nikles and step-brother Andy Posivac. She is survived by sons John (Judy), Alan (Donna), Brian (Carrie) Raydo, and daughter Christine (John) Repine, 7 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Theresa was an exceptional mother, business woman, and civic leader. She lived her faith in service and love to others. She will be greatly missed by her family and the many people she touched during her life. A video celebration of her life may be viewed at: Remembering Theresa Pauline Nikles Raydo, January 12, 1924 - November 8, 2024 - YouTube. 

Services will be on Tuesday, November 19 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe. Rosary at 10:00 AM, visitation at 10:15 AM, Funeral Mass at 11 AM, Committal at Resurrection Cemetery, 8300 Quivira, Lenexa. Contributions may be made in her memory to Prince of Peace Catholic Church or Catholic Charities. 

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