Katherine “Kitty” Louise Tower

Katherine “Kitty” Louise Tower, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, died in Kansas City on June 22, 2023, at the age of 82.

Kitty was born to Ernest and Louise (Pickrell) Davis on October 11, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri. Growing up, Kitty was active in Teen Town and girl scouts. She made lifelong friends working on the yearbook for East High School. Her love of flowers and gardening started at an early age tending to the family vegetable garden with her parents and brother, Mike.

Kitty married Bryan Ivlow and raised two daughters, Kathy and Robin. As a stay-at-home mom, she was often thought of as the neighborhood mom because of her cheerful and nurturing spirit. When the girls were grown, she worked at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and later at Sears Roebuck.

In 1980, she married Dick Tower. Kitty and Dick shared a love of flowers, gardening, and road trips. They loved exploring the Midwest, learning local history, and meeting new friends together.

Kitty was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dick, and brother. She will be missed dearly by her daughters, Kathy Benich and Robin Burnam; grandchildren Cory, Christopher and Amanda Burnam and five great-grandchildren, Lillian, Isabelle, Ryder, Pyper and Paxton Burnam.

A celebration of Kitty’s life will be held in an open house format on Saturday, July 8th from 11:00 AM through 1:00 PM at Clark-Ketterman Park shelter house at 8049 E 107th Street in Kansas City. Please join us for food, memories, and laughter. Per Kitty’s wishes, please wear bright happy colors. Kitty grew her own vegetables and was a 12-year breast cancer survivor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Gilda’s Club Kansas City (www.gildasclubkc.org) in support of cancer survivors or the Kansas City Community Gardens (www.kccg.org). Also please consider getting screened for breast cancer or encouraging a friend or family member to do so.

Condolences

  1. Joyce Ward on June 26, 2023 at 4:54 pm

    Ladies, that was a lovely tribute. I loved her smile. We plan on seeing you on Saturday.
    Joyce and Ted Ward



  2. Deborah Merrifield on June 26, 2023 at 5:40 pm

    May Kitty be remembered through the love she has shared throughout her life.



  3. David Gharst Sr on June 26, 2023 at 7:20 pm

    Kathy and Robin,
    I was saddened today to hear of your mother’s passing. It is nice to know you had spent time with her in recent times, and doing things together. It is very hard losing your Mother and I can feel your pain. I hope that her memory lives in your heart forever. With my deepest sympathy. David



  4. Sue and Larry Vasholz on June 26, 2023 at 7:50 pm

    Kathy and Robin, beautiful tribute to your dear Mom. Warm thoughts and prayers are with you.



  5. Arun Vedula on June 26, 2023 at 8:23 pm

    Kathy –
    Great to know about her being known as ‘neighborhood mom‘. Not many people get such a nice title. It shows how much people love her.

    In fact, I have never met her but always loved seeing your pictures with your mom on FB, those are your best pictures!

    Our prayers for you and your sister to stay strong??

    May her soul rest in peace??



  6. Ginny Shearer on June 27, 2023 at 10:39 pm

    I wish I could be there with you ladies. But I’m there in prayer, hugs and love. Your mother was a beautiful, sweet soul. God Bless you Kathy, Robin and the rest of the family. ???



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