Kathryn A. “Kay” Dees (1931-2025)

Kathryn A. “Kay” Dees, 94, passed away Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Ellsworth, Kan. She was born Sept. 20, 1931, one of six children, to George and Vlasta (Doubrava) Barta. A lifetime resident of Ellsworth, Kathryn was a 1949 graduate of Ellsworth High School and a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She married Loren L. Dees in Ellsworth on Jan. 20, 1952.

Kathryn is survived by her sons David Dees (Darla), New Strawn, Kan.; Daniel Dees (Debra), Wichita, Kan.; and Darrel Dees (Tammy), Salina, Kan.; daughter Kerry Dees, Hesston, Kan.; grandchildren Hilary Dees (Max Phinney), Natalie Dees (Raj Selvaraj), Aaron Dees, Sarah Dees, Joshua Dees, Adam Dees (Alyssa) and Paul Dees (LeighAnn); great-grandchildren Scarlett, Kae and Rachel; and sisters, Vivian Peppiatt (Fred), Kanopolis, and Rose Mary Morris, Park City, Utah. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Loren and siblings George Barta, Kenneth Barta and Marjorie Thompson.

Visitation is from 1-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth. Family will be present to greet visitors from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ellsworth, with burial following at Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church c/o Parsons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439. Condolences can be shared at parsonsfh.com.