Kathryn Kleb
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Kathryn Kleb, 79 of Olathe, KS, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at St. Luke’s Hospital from a heart attack.
Katie, or Kate as many knew her, was born on April 17, 1947 in Kansas City, MO, and lived in the Kansas City area for her entire life. After graduating from the Sunset Hill School, she attended the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri- Kansas City, ultimately earning a Master’s degree.
Katie started as a social worker, before finding her home in education. She taught special education at Olathe High School and Olathe South High School, ultimately rising to department chair.
Even 15 years after retirement, she was still in contact with many of her students, which is a testament to how well-loved she was as a teacher and student advocate. In her spare time, Katie was an avid artist and crafter, delighting her friends and family with her skill in painting, knitting, needlepoint, and countless others. Katie was happiest spending time with her family, watching her beloved Chiefs, and snuggling with her dogs. She was also a fierce advocate for women’s rights and social justice.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Kleb.
She is survived by her daughter and son, Cynthia Sterling and Ryan Baber, their respective partners, Carl Harris and Branson Yeast, and her granddaughter, Grace Harris.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Southern Poverty Law Center (https://www.splcenter.org/).
I got to know Katie when she taught at Olathe South and I worked at Indian Trail. We met in order to transition students from Junior High to high school. I enjoyed working with Katie. She worked hard for her students. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Mom- I will miss your relentless creative energy and your cock-eyed optimism! You taught me so much about strength, independence, and passion, not to mention introduced me to so many of what have become the central interests of my life (books, Latin, crochet, musical theater). What’s more, I owe my career as an educator to you. The joy, care, and dedication you modeled in your work I still only aspire to match. I am eternally grateful for everything you taught me and given me. Love you! Kiss and a b hug.
Kate, I miss you so much. I totally enjoyed our time together. Whenever we had a chance to talk.. oh boy .. it was amazing, and fun. My heart may be broken, but I will you in Heaven. I love you, my forever friend.
Ryan, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I only met her once but remember her as a lovely lady. And she raised a wonderful son whom I’m very fond of
Love,
So many great fun memories with Katie in high school and college. We dated two friends, me Vic REGNIER and Katie- Peter Sterling. Katie was not only great fun, but a kind and loving person. I am so sorry, a loss for us all! Kathy Connell
I remember Katie from working at Olathe South when she was teaching there.i was the receptionist / secretary at the front door to the school. My first or second Christmas Katie gave me a glass reindeer to hang on my Christmas tree. That has now been 44-45 years ago and I still have that beautiful reindeer. It always meant a lot to me as I hung it on the tree but this year it will mean a lot more to me. May Gid wrap His loving arms around her family and friends and give them comfort and peace.♥️🙏
Please know that you are in my prayers
Ryan and Cynthia,
I’m so sorry to learn about the passing of your mom. Getting to know her as a child, I was absolutely mesmerized! It seemed as though she had a magical energy and ability to do so many things (that were meaningful to me) so well. When I took a beginner needlepoint class last winter, I often thought of all of the magnificent pieces your mom made- especially for Christmas holidays. When I became serious about cooking, and developing flavorful, memorable meals – my experience with your mom added to my inspiration. I wanted to spend as much time with her as I could, sometimes feeling shy about it, but I loved being with her, listening to all of the things she had to say (I loved her directness) and her creative curiosity.
My second mother (and just as full of energy and ideas as my own!). I will always remember Katie fondly from my childhood and am thankful for the sibling relationship she nurtured between Ryan and me. May all find peace in the memories she leaves behind.
I am so sorry to read of Katie’s passing. It seems as if she was always a part of my life, from Sunset on, even though we didn’t see one another often. We did share lots of FB and text messaging…esp I enjoyed her passionate love for animals and her extraordinary creative gifts…it was always fun to see her latest artistic endeavor.
She was so proud of her family and shared many stories ( pics too).
Sending love and prayers.
Katie was our next door neighbor when we lived in Homestead Woods. She was such a kind and helpful neighbor and also a great cook! So many great memories from that time in our lives! My sincere condolences to Ryan and Cynthia.
Ryan-I am so sorry I learn of your mom’s passing. I only met her once, but I know she was a fabulous person because of the incredible son she raised. Please know you are in our thoughts.
I was so sorry to read about Katie’s passing. I knew Katie starting at Sunset Hill and have kept in touch through Facebook and also seen her periodically. Katie was a very sweet and sincere person and genuinely concerned about other people. I am remembering all of your family in my thoughts and prayers and sending much love.