Christina "Chris" Cathey

Christina JoAnn Cathey was called home by Jesus and passed peacefully on July 31, 2025, at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Chris was born on August 21, 1954, to Vince and Rosalie Wilson in Arkansas City, Kansas and the family moved to Wichita soon thereafter. Her life as a follower of Jesus began as a child and youth where activities and attendance at Betheny Lutheran Church and School in south Wichita, were the center of family life. Chris later attended Wichita South High School where she excelled as a gymnast and cheerleader and met her future husband, Scott. Chris and Scott were married a year after high school on July 3, 1974, and began their family five years later. Chris’ faith and her three children, Sarah, Aaron, and Daniel, were the joy of her life.

Chris had a deep love of family, and she most loved being a stay-at-home mom until the children were all in school. She would always tell others that being home with her kids was “the best life.” Chris was also very fond of the performing arts, in particular music theatre, and fostered a love of music in her children. Always sharing a warm smile, wonderful sense of humor and easy laugh, Chris was a comfort to everyone who had the opportunity to know her. Her warmth and kindness would be a hallmark of her personal life and career.

Chris had a servant’s heart and that heart fueled her passion for becoming a medical caregiver. She completed training as a medical assistant after high school, working until Sarah was born. Once the children were school age, Chris returned to school, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, graduating at the top of her class. Her career placed her at many facilities/communities including Presbyterian Manor, Riverside Village and Ascension Via Christi Riverside where she ended her career as Director of Clinical Services. Chris was esteemed as a nursing caregiver and supervisor. She was well known for her warm, caring heart and dedication to her patients, residents, and families. In addition to her nursing career, Chris’ desire to serve would lead her to other activities including years as a Stephen Minister and Parish nurse at Ascension Lutheran Church.

Chris’ career ended after her diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer’s just shy of her 58^th birthday. After her thirteen-year battle with the disease, she is finally able to rest peacefully. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love felt by friends, patients, residents, and family who she touched throughout her life.

Chris is preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Rosalie Marie Wilson: sister-in-law, Debbie Wilson; and brother-in-law, Don Pennock. She is survived by her husband, Scott Gregory Cathey of Wichita; daughter, Sarah (Michael) Wolff of Wichita; son, Aaron (Meaghan) Cathey of Chicago, Illinois; son, Daniel Cathey of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Trenton Wolff, McKena Wolff, Ethan Wolff, Eve Cathey, Isla Cathey; brother, Bartley Wilson, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; brother-in-law, Mark (Harolyn) Cathey of Wichita; and sister-in-law, Connie Pennock of Wichita.

Visitation will be 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West Chapel. A Memorial Service will be 10:30 am, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at The District Church, 304 South Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to: Wichita Children’s Home (WCH.org) 7271 East 37th Street North, Wichita, KS 67226