Katherine Mary “Kathy” Mitchell, 78, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, Dec. 20.
She was born Oct. 15, 1947, in Seward, Nebraska, the daughter of Herbert Ross and Ruth Marie (Behrens) Downing. She was a graduate of Seward High School and attended Peru State University.
Kathy was employed by Countryside United Methodist Preschool, retiring in 2009.
She was a member of Countryside United Methodist Church.
Kathy married Rev. Paul B. Mitchell on December 3, 1977, in Hiawatha, Kansas. He survives in Topeka. Other survivors include four children, Jill (Steve) Smith of Lawrence, Kansas, Stephanie (Jeff) Dickson, and granddaughter Downing, of Shawnee, Kansas, Paul James (Amanda) Mitchell and granddaughter Leylah of Portage, Indiana, and Andrew Mitchell, and grandson Isaac, of Topeka; her mother Ruth Downing of Seward, Nebraska; and sisters Susie (Lon) Nuttleman, of Quincy, Illinois; Sandy (Tom) Perrin, of Aurora, Colorado; Deb (Larry) Heidtbrink, of Malcom, Nebraska.
She was preceded in death by her father, Herb Downing. Kathy’s joy was teaching children, for whom she taught preschool for three decades, as well as provided weekly storytelling lessons during “Children’s Moments” in church services throughout her husband’s ministerial career.
She enjoyed playing in the bell choir in all the churches she was part of. She embraced her role as a pastor’s wife and was a steadfast comfort to all who knew her.
Traveling across the country and overseas with her husband, family, and friends brought many memories. She brought an artistic flourish to scrapbooking, capturing memories of family moments, travel, and the world’s beauty for all to look back on and enjoy.
Honoring her request, cremation is planned. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Road, Topeka, KS, 66611.
Memorial contributions may be made to Countryside United Methodist Church.
Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, KS, is assisting the family. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.DoveTopeka. com.
