Kathy Kurz
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Kathy Kurz, age 63, of Raytown, Missouri, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City following a short but intense battle with aggressive cancer.
Kathy was born on December 9, 1962, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, to Norman and Jackie Kurz. She was the eldest of three siblings and spent her life rooted in the Raytown community she loved so deeply. Kathy graduated from Raytown South High School and continued her education at Baker University.
Kathy dedicated 33 years of service to the Internal Revenue Service, where she began her career as a Data Transcriber and rose to the role of Department Manager. She also periodically served as Operations Manager for the Kansas City campus. Throughout her career, Kathy was a passionate and tireless advocate for the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and disabled communities, working to ensure individuals were recognized for their abilities, talents, and qualifications.
Family was always Kathy’s first priority. She was a devoted and loving mother to her daughter, Brittany, a supportive sister, and a steady mentor to her brothers. Kathy shared a special bond with her parents—traveling, shopping, and crafting alongside her mother, and forever remaining the “apple of her father’s eye.”
A lifelong Raytown resident, Kathy was a loyal and steadfast friend. She was known for bringing people together, organizing group experiences, and enthusiastically supporting the endeavors of those she loved. Her appreciation for the outdoors and dedication to service were reflected in her involvement with the Camp Fire Girls, her years as a Girl Scout leader for Troop 2043, and her time coaching softball for the Osborne team in the Raytown Softball League.
Kathy will be remembered for her remarkable resilience while living with rheumatoid arthritis and for her generous spirit—often expressed through thoughtful baking, creative crafting, and acts of quiet kindness. Her strength, compassion, and devotion to others left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her father, Norman Kurz; her dear friend, Tina Omenski; her beloved dog, Snickers; and extended family members Mildred Kurz and Betty Reno.
Kathy is survived by her mother, Jackie Kurz of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; her daughter, Brittany Gibbs Johnson and husband Anthony Johnson of Modesto, California; her brothers, Mark Kurz and Karen Matthews of Belton, Missouri, and Chris Kurz and Kim Larrick-Kurz of Kansas City, Missouri; and her niece, Chloe Cox-Kurz.
A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held in the first quarter of 2026, with details to be announced by the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kathy’s honor to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation or Wayside Waifs.
Acknowledgements may be sent to:
Kathy Kurz Family
c/o Chris Kurz
3332 West Coleman Road
Kansas City, MO 64111
Kathy you will be missed so much… You were a guiding light for the night shift and your love and caring heart will forever be missed.
I know you are free of pain and watching over us and all the trouble we are getting into but it was time for you to go play over the rainbow bridge with all the puppies and kittens. When I look over at the ferris wheel I will think of you and all of our talks in your hot and cold office.
Love to you and your family from all of ICO.
To Kathy’s family, friends and coworkers, I am heartbroken for you all. I worked with Kathy for many years at the IRS and loved her dearly. She was a good friend and mentor to me and so many others. She could defuse an issue quickly and her gift for listening was incredible. I saw her the night I retired and will forever miss that smile and sly wit. She will be sadly missed by so many.
To Kathy’s family,
I had the pleasure of knowing Kathy all during High School. She was such a great friend with big big Heart. Always an ear for listening, and a great person to talk to. Life prevails and we lose contact with each other. Just know she has always been a part of me and there is no doubt she will be sorely missed.
God Bless. ❤️🙏
Chris, Brittany & family – I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I was lucky to have worked closely with Kathy for almost 3 years as her assistant in ICO when she was a Dept. Manager. I wouldn’t be where I am today at work if she hadn’t believed in me. She was always so good to me, very supportive, and such a great listener. We made a lot of memories in those few years when we were a team. We shared a lot of laughs and I shared a lot of tears. She was always such a gem. I will miss her immensely. She had a heart of gold and I will always remember her. I wish we had more time together. Sending all my love.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Kathy was a good friend in junior high and high school, and although we didn’t stay in touch, I will always remember her as a kind, sweet person who loved her family.
Kathy was such a caring person and always helped people see their potential. She was generous with her time and patient to those of us who needed it. I enjoyed working under Kathy in RAIVS/IVES and always enjoyed running into her in the halls after that. She was a true asset to the IRS. I will keep her family and friends in my prayers for peace of mind. May she rest in peace.
Kathy would come in to work some days and you knew she was aching from her arthritis. You just knew by the look on her face that she was trying to push through and carry on another day. She will be missed.
Chris and family, I send my deepest condolences. It’s been nearly a year since I left Kansas City, but I am grateful for the valuable lessons I learned working alongside Kathy. I was reflecting this past week, that on Christmas ( or my Bday) Kathy would always give me flavored almonds. It was one of the best gifts and enjoyed them with my family. The impact of that gift created good memories for me and my family. Brittany, we never met, but I know she would get the almonds from you. She always spoke about you with pride, especially in being able to get fancy flavors. Prayers for all the family and may Kathy rest in peace.
Tina Stubbs
I am saddened by the loss of Kathy. She had a remarkable way of uplifting others, and I am personally grateful for the confidence and encouragement she gave me to stay the course at work and to keep striving to become more. She made a lasting impact through her kindness, support and belief in others and will not be forgotten. She will be deeply missed.
So sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. She was a person that made everyone feel like they belonged. I will remember conversations with her and her witty sense of humor. I remember her 17 years ago as a frontline manager when I started at work. She will be very missed.
Kathy was my very first manager at the IRS back in 2009, and she was amazing to work with. She was kind and a good listener, and I always liked catching up with her in later years. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and coworkers. My prayers will be with us all.
Jackie, This notice was such a shock. Sincere sympathy and condolences. She is certainly pain free now and enjoying a heavenly visit with her dad. Norm certainly waiting with open arms. Hold family close, comfort is there 💕