Kathleen "Kay" Margaret Mitchell

Kathleen “Kay” Margaret Mitchell, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 17, 2025.

A visitation was held on Wednesday, August 20th, from Noon to 5:00 p.m. at Padden Funeral Chapel in Frankfort, KS.

A rosary took place at 7:00 p.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, Frankfort.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, at Annunciation Catholic Church.  Father Anthony Chendumalli officiated.  The organist was Marilyn Dressman, and the vocalists were Sheryl Bahr and Jami Berges.  Hymns included "Here I am, Lord", "On This Day, O Beautiful Mother", "On Eagle's Wings", and "How Great Thou Art." The lectors included Jason Mitchell, Stacey Bailey, and Kayla Hagedorn.

Burial followed immediately at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Frankfort.

Pallbearers were Eric Mitchell, Andy Mitchell, Damien Mitchell, Brian Tilley, Dusty Ewing, Mitchell Schroeder, Chris Mitchell, Jack Mitchell, and honorary pallbearer, Alvin Farris.

Kathleen “Kay” Broxterman was born on September 17, 1930, to Andrew and Lena (Buessing) Broxterman in their home across the street from the Catholic Church in Beattie, KS. She was one of thirteen children. While many of her older siblings did not have the opportunity to attend high school, she advanced quickly in her studies, completing two years of curriculum in a single year during elementary school. This achievement enabled her to attend high school through her sophomore year.

On April 22, 1950, Kay was united in marriage to Raymond Mitchell. Together, they were blessed with 10 children. Kathleen was also the proud grandmother of 34 grandchildren, 71 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. In the late 1970s, Ray and Kay began the cherished family tradition known as ‘Woodcut.’ Each year, on the day after Thanksgiving, the family gathered to clear and cut trees, ensuring every household had wood for the winter. Over time, the number of participants grew, and so too did the strength of the tradition.

Kay was a dedicated member of Annunciation Catholic Church, where she actively participated in the Annunciation Altar Society, the community quilting group, and served as a Eucharistic minister. She also volunteered in various capacities within the church and religious education program, as well as at the library. One of the highlights of her spiritual and personal life was visiting Medugorje with Raymond and two of her sisters. After returning from this trip, Kay and Ray initiated a weekly gathering reciting the rosary that lasted for many years. A woman of many talents, Kay was an accomplished cook, seamstress, and quilter, creating hundreds of meals, countless clothes for her children, and thirty-plus quilts. She was also an avid gardener and a devoted homemaker.

Her eyes sparkled with warmth, and her laughter had a way of filling a room with joy. She freely shared her love and faith with everyone she met, always putting others before herself. Kay’s gentle spirit and devotion to God shone through in the way she lived each day—with kindness, humility, and a heart full of love. Whether through her volunteer work, a thoughtful act of kindness, or the simplest everyday gestures, she left behind a beautiful example of what it means to live a life of faith and service.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Raymond Mitchell, 2003; daughter, Carol Mitchell, 2013; parents; and seven siblings.

Survivors include children, John (Cindi) Mitchell, St. Marys, KS, Joe (Janet) Mitchell, McPherson, KS, Marlene (Eldon Clawson) Ewing, Topeka, KS, Steve Mitchell (Deb), Leigh, NE, Anna Mitchell, Andover, KS, Wayne (Elma) Mitchell, Diane (Keith) Tilley, Bob (Cassie) Mitchell, and Vince (Amy) Mitchell all of Frankfort; 31 grandchildren; 71 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; siblings, Sr. Anna Marie Broxterman, Concordia, KS, Mary (Linus) Holthaus, Centralia, KS, Bill (Audrey) Broxterman, Vermillion, KS, Dick (Sharon) Broxterman, Sabetha, KS, and Pat (Joyce) Broxterman, Baileyville, KS; sisters-in-law, Artis (Tom) Broxterman, Meriden, KS, and Ann (Bob) Broxterman, Rossville, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial fund has been established to Annunciation Catholic Church. Contributions may be sent in care of Padden Funeral Chapel, c/o Kinsley Mortuary P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.