ALTAMONT — Kathleen Gerdes, 81, of Altamont, passed away the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at her home.
Kathleen Sue Beaty was born on Aug. 11, 1944, to Evert Cleon and Frankie Virginia (Conklin) Beaty in San Diego, California. She grew up and attended school in Parsons. After graduating from high school, Kathleen attended Kansas State University for a time. She transferred to Kansas State Teacher’s College, now Pittsburg State University, where she earned a teaching certificate and met the love of her life, James Gerdes.
Before starting her teaching career, Kathleen worked as a cook at Labette County Medical Center. For 30 years, Kathleen was a teacher at Labette County High School.
An accomplished amateur photographer, her favorite subjects were wildflowers, sunflowers, zoo animals and landscapes and she was awarded numerous ribbons for her photos. She had a special love for animals. She also enjoyed reading and traveling with her sister.
On Aug. 28, 1965, Kathleen and James were united in marriage at Central Avenue Christian Church in Parsons. He preceded her in death on Nov. 8, 2023.
Survivors include: Two sons – Kevin Gerdes of Altamont; James E. Gerdes and his wife, Kari, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; one daughter – Sarah Bolin of Altamont; two grandchildren – Hannah Gerdes and Nicholas Bolin; one great-grandson; and two sisters – Gretchen Garrett and her husband, Doug, of Olathe; and Janice Beaty of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Joe Beaty.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 7, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons. Burial will follow at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons.
