Kathy Harrity

Kathy Harrity, 39, of Blue Springs, MO passed away March 24, 2009 at her home. A visitation will take place from 1-3:30 p.m. followed by a 3:30 p.m. memorial service on Saturday, March 28, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either Kansas City Hospice, the Katelyn Jo Harrity Education Fund, C/O US Bank, Blue Springs, MO, or the donor’s choice of a breast cancer foundation. Kathy was born on December 16, 1969 in Neubrucke, Germany. She grew up in Northeastern Missouri and attended Scotland Co. R-1 High School, graduating in 1988. She went on to receive a Bachelor in Graphic Arts at CMSU. Since college, she’s lived in the Kansas City area where she began a fruitful career in the printing industry. She had a life-long love of animals, especially horses. Kathy was a never satisfied artist and photographer, who was also a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness. She was especially proud to participate in the Kansas City 2006 Susan G. Koman three-day walk. On March 3, 2008 she was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer, which she fought with her brave heart to the very end. The light of Kathy’s life, Katelyn Jo Courtney Harrity, was born September 30, 2007. She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Edward A. Slayton; maternal grandfather, Harvey Hendricker; and paternal grandmother, Mareta Riebel. She is survived by her loving husband, Joel P. Harrity; one daughter, Katelyn Jo Courtney Harrity; mother, Jan Slayton; father, Tom Riebel; maternal grandmother, Helen Cary; paternal grandfather, Roger Morris Riebel; one brother, Lee Riebel; five step-children, Brett, Jennifer, Joel Patrick, Aron and Donald Joseph; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.