Kathryn Faye Baltzell

To shar

Kathryn Faye (Porter) Baltzell, a beloved wife, mother, and homemaker and cherished member of her community, was born to Amos and Nina Porter on September 18, 1937, at home in Granby, Missouri. She passed away surrounded by close family on December 23, 2025, in Overland Park, Kansas.

Kathryn was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, Kenneth "Wayne" Baltzell, whom she met in April 1964 after moving to Kansas City. They married six short months later on October 10, 1964. Wayne could not resist her charm and grace mixed with a quick wit and great sense of humor. And her 1961 Thunderbird may have played a part, they both had great taste in classic cars. Kathryn loved being a wife and mother, and later a grandmother and great grandmother. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she dedicated herself to nurturing and caring for them. Her purse always had pictures to show off and she loved to talk about the good qualities and achievements of each beloved family member. She also loved sending and receiving greeting cards, each card she received was cherished and she loved making special cards to send to family and friends. Kathryn's love for her family was matched only by her profound faith, which served as an inspiration to all who knew her. Kathryn had a deep faith and covered her family in prayer daily.

Kathryn lived a rich and wonderful life and she loved to tell stories about her many memorable adventures! Some treasured highlights included growing up in southern Missouri with her loving parents and beloved sisters, a “Hallmark Story” of meeting and marrying the love of her life Wayne, family trips around the country, spending time in Branson together with family and friends, and celebrating special times together with her family.

Another special memory was her many years working in the bookstore at MidAmerica Nazarene College (MANC). She loved meeting the kids there and made a special effort to get to know every student by name! Mom loved knowing their stories and their family backgrounds. For the kids that were far from home, she made them feel more at home. To this day, many of the students that she met at MANC still remember her caring and loving spirit that made them feel special.

Kathryn is survived by her husband Kenneth "Wayne" Baltzell, who cherished her deeply and will carry on her memory with love and respect. She is also survived by her children Scott (wife Dani) Baltzell of Kansas City, KS, Brad (wife Marti) Baltzell of Paola, KS, Lynette (husband Mark) Lundquist of Olathe, KS, Grandchildren Brian (wife Emily), Scott, Brooke, Erich, Briggs, Stratton, Anne, Kathryn, Caleb and Great Grandchildren Clare, Allison, Daniel, Hunter, Leanne, and Ashton.

Kathryn’s life will be celebrated at the College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, Kansas. Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation on January 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM, with burial in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Overland Park, Kansas.

Her remarkable spirit and the warmth she shared will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

To  leave a memory of Kathryn, or to leave a message for the family, visit the guestbook below.