Kathy Jo Sullivan-Trader

Kathy Jo Sullivan-Trader, beloved wife, mother, Mimi, and sister, passed away on June 8, 2026, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She was born on April 26, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Dennis and Jane (Davidson) Sullivan.

Kathy grew up in Independence and carried with her a lifelong love of family, music, dancing, reading, movies, good food, and a beautifully decorated home. She had trendy taste, strong opinions, and the rare ability to make any house feel warm, welcoming, and perfectly put together.

A proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kathy earned both her bachelor’s degree and her juris doctor. Law school was one of the great undertakings of her life. She pursued her education while working, raising her children, making lunches, attending games and activities, and somehow keeping everything moving. Her energy, independence, and work ethic were extraordinary.

Kathy began her legal career at Sprint and later practiced law alongside her husband, John, at Trader & Sullivan LLC. Kathy and John married in 1994 after meeting on the tennis court, beginning a life together marked by partnership, devotion, and care. John was Kathy’s steady support and loving companion, and his devotion was a profound gift to Kathy and to her family.

Kathy loved bringing people together. She hosted Christmas Eve parties, holiday meals, and family gatherings with style, generosity, and just the right amount of perfectionism. If Kathy was hosting, the table was beautiful, the house smelled wonderful, and the garage floor might even be scrubbed clean enough to eat off of.

She believed life was meant to be celebrated. She loved vacations, special dinners, Kansas City barbecue, boating on Lakewood Lake, gifts, jewelry, clothes, and any occasion that gave family and friends a reason to gather. Kathy knew how to make people feel special.

Her proudest accomplishment was her family. She loved her children, Sarah and Sam, fiercely and was deeply proud of them. Later, she found great joy in being Mimi to her grandsons, Jameson, Miles, and Emmett. She spoiled them beautifully, with treats, toys, games, and a home where they always felt loved.

Kathy will be remembered for her energy, style, generosity, determination, hospitality, and the way she loved her family with her whole heart.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband of 32 years, John Trader; her daughter, Sarah Crow, and son-in-law, Shawn; her stepdaughters, Suzanne Phillips and her husband, Darren, and Kim Thomas and her husband, Scott; her grandsons, Jameson, Miles, and Emmett Crow; and her sister, Karen Lombardi.

She was preceded in death by her son, Sam Woodell and her stepdaughter, Jennifer Trader.

A visitation will be held on June 12, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 East 39th Street South, Independence, Missouri. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Floral Hills Cemetery, 7000 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri, beginning at 11:30 a.m.