HUTCHINSON — Kathleen ‘Kathy’ Ann Chastain, aged 78, died on Feb. 7, 2026, surrounded by her family at her home in Hutchinson. She was born July 26, 1947, in El Dorado, Kansas, to Elvis Edwin and Catherine Esther (Grant) Sullivan.
Kathy graduated from Campus High School in Wichita, in 1965 and later attended Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, and Labette Community College in Parsons.
On Feb. 12, 1966, she married Johnnie Earl Chastain in Wichita. They shared almost 60 years of marriage and had recently been planning a celebration for their upcoming anniversary.
In her free time, Kathy enjoyed scrapbooking, singing, sewing, cooking, crossword puzzles, Bible studies, teaching Sunday School, Children’s Church, directing vocal and bell choirs, and serving as the church secretary. She also enjoyed collecting angels and teacups.
Kathy understood the importance of family and dedicated her life to it. She cherished her role as a pastor’s wife and made sure she always supported her husband in every way. Their motto in marriage and ministry was: “Each for the Other and Both for the Lord.”
She texted her grandchildren daily, sending them prayers and devotions, making sure they knew she was thinking of them, and giving them her famous one-line praise of “Way to Shine!” She wanted everyone to remember her voice, and her motto: “Keep looking up, smiling, and shining!”
Kathy made everything fun and was affectionately known as “Nana” by all. Easter was her favorite holiday, which included homemade bunny cakes and rides on the bunny train. She designed and oversaw a big easter egg hunt and dinner for her family, every year, without fail.
With her beautiful music talent, she wrote and sang songs for each of her grandchildren; with her artistic creativity, she created scrapbooks for every family member and recipes for every home and mastered the art of sugar-free cooking for John.
Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Reverend John Chastain of Hutchinson; her children, Craig (Amy) Chastain of North Carolina, Nikole (Dale) Cohen of New York, Catherine (Jeffrey) Diggs of Kansas, and David (Kellie) Chastain of Kansas; grandchildren, Ryan (Stephanie) Yanez of Michigan, Tiffany (Daniel) Hall of New York, Bransyn (Dr. Karissa Severud) Felty, Benjamin Yanez, Thomas (Kaylie) Diggs, Braxtyn Felty, Alaina (Tyler) Boone, Lillia (Kyle Stenzel) Diggs, and Bentyn (Sarah Guerrero) Chastain, all of Kansas; great-grandchildren Chloe, Evelyn, Alexandria and Merryk; brother, Edwin (Debbie) Sullivan of Kansas; niece, Lisa (David) Thayer of Oklahoma; and numerous extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elvis and Catherine; parents-in-law, Albert and Jennie; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Albert and Mary Chastain.
Graveside services are at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, at Fairlawn Burial Park in Hutchinson. Guests may sign her memorial book and greet the family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, at Elliott Mortuary. In lieu of flowers and to honor her devotion to missions and the church, memorial contributions may be made to the AGK Ministry Network, directed through Elliott Mortuary, at 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS, 67501.
