Kathy Richey

Kathy Fay Johnson Richey (lovingly known as “KJ” by her many friends and family) departed this earth to be with our Risen Lord and Savior on September 4, 2026, in Wichita, KS. She was exactly one month shy of turning 74, having been born on October 4, 1952, in Raymore, Missouri.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Horace Lee Johnson Jr. and Kitty Margaret Waddey Johnson of Overland Park, KS, and her nephew, Thomas (“Tommy”) Vigorita of Brooklyn, NY.

She is survived by her three children, John Richey of Overland Park, KS, Jamie Richey Ballard of Madison, MS, and Jackie (Brandon) Hall of Wichita, KS; her former husband, Keith Richey of Wichita, KS; her five grandchildren, Bailey Hall, Banks Ballard, Brynlee Hall, Jack Ballard, and Brianna Hall; her sisters, Patricia (Vincent) Johnson Vigorita of Amagansett, NY, and Sandra Johnson Howland of Phoenix, AZ; her Uncle, Ira Jack (Ann) Waddey Jr. of Nashville, TN.; and many nieces and nephews.

Kathy graduated high school from Shawnee Mission South in Overland Park, Kansas, in 1970. She later received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Kansas (KU) and her Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from Wichita State University (WSU). At KU, Kathy made many lifelong friends in the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.

Kathy’s love for sports was evident throughout her life. One of her favorite hobbies was tennis, where she spent countless hours playing with friends and family, and also coaching middle school and high school tennis in both Wichita and the Kansas City area. She was such a fan of the sport and would follow all the professional tennis tournament results and players. She also loved watching the University of Kansas play basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs play football, and the Kansas City Royals play baseball.

Kathy loved listening to music of all genres and times and enjoyed musicals just as well. In her spare time, she enjoyed walking, playing bridge, card games, and board games, especially with her grandchildren. Earlier in life she was known for her holiday fudge and delicious coffee cake, and later in life she was known for her welcoming and positive disposition while at work. She was a stranger to no one and will be missed by family, friends, and the Wichita community.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026, Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, both at Downing & Lahey East Funeral Home, 6555 E. Central, Wichita, KS, with burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery, 12100 E. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS. The Funeral Service will be live streamed and is available to view by clicking “Watch” below.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 535 W. Douglas Ste.150, Wichita, KS 67213.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuaries — East Wichita.