Kathryn ‘Kay’ (Braden) Parker Perry, 84, died December 31, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 28, 1935, in Wichita, to John W. Braden, Sr. and Jessie Mae (Moore) Braden.
Kay graduated from Hutchinson High School and the University of Kansas. She married John Parker, and after college, they moved back to Hutchinson, where they raised five children, (Todd, Elizabeth, Sarah, Kathryn, and Laura).
Kay developed her dad’s work ethic. In the 1960’s, she bought 10 Hereford cows, and through the years, grew her herd into a good-sized cattle operation. She tossed tens of thousands of hay bales to her cattle, put up miles of electric fence, and chopped blocks of ice in the winters. Kay’s children have vivid memories of being taken to school in her dented pickup truck, piled high with hay bales and three or four dogs on top.
Through her actions, Kay taught her children the value of a strong work ethic, independence, humility, and kindness. She was always helping others and those who knew her best could echo her selfless and giving spirit.
Kay was raised and lived in Hutchinson most of her life; she loved the town and all of the friends she made. In 1985, she married James Perry and together, they built a home on west 56th as a home base for their combined seven children and all of their pets. Kay loved her animals- horses, Shetland ponies, burros, Herefords, Brown Swiss, and Brahman cattle, dogs, barn cats, a deer named Vern, a turkey, rooster, and Guineas. Her grandchildren have warm memories about the summers they spent growing up at ‘Abob’s’ house, spoiled with her good cooking and never ending adventures on her land.
Kay was an accomplished golfer. Between 1966 and 1996, she won the Prairie Dunes Country Club Golf Championship 11 times, and the City of Hutchinson Golf Championship numerous times. Those who played golf with Kay would say she had the prettiest swing in town. Always active, Kay received a black belt in karate near the age of 60. Her daily passion, though, was walking her dogs, well into her 80’s.
Kay was a longtime member of Grace Episcopal Church, regularly serving on the church’s Altar Guild.
Kay is survived by: her five children, Todd Parker, Elizabeth Bundy, Sarah Shipley, Kathryn Miller, and Laura Rome; two stepchildren, Diane Hurst and Rhonda Meyer; 15 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Chase Parker, Chloe Parker, Melinda Graves, Samantha Graves, Madison Perry, Morgan Simental, Addison Miller, Grant Miller, Jersey Rome, Olivia Rome, Emma Rome, Kayla Katz, Kyle Dudley, Mitch Meyer, and Payton Perry; six great- grandchildren; sister-in-law, Lilian Braden; and nieces, Lisa Braden, Laura Franklin, Kakie Palmer; and nephew, John Charles Braden.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, John W. ‘Jack’ Braden, Jr.; husband, James T. Perry; and her children’s father, John E. Parker, Jr.
A come and go celebration of Kay’s life will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Richman Arboretum, 2801 Dillon Avenue, Hutchinson, with the Right Reverend Michael P. Milliken, 5th Bishop of Western Kansas (Ret.) speaking at 2:00 p.m. Friends may sign the book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Private family inurnment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
To join the family for Kay’s celebration at the Richman Arboretum, turn at 30th Avenue and Halstead Street and go north to Dillon Avenue. At Dillon Avenue, turn east, and drive through the gate to the red barn on the right. Please wear casual and warm clothing. Food and refreshments will be served.