Jo Kathleen “Kathy” Mayfield, 72, loving wife of the late Rick Mayfield, passed away on November 14, 2025, at Hospice House in Olathe. She was born August 29, 1953, in Ulysses, to the late Don Wiese and his wife, Marion.
Kathy graduated from Satanta High School in 1971 and from Emporia State University in 1975. She taught Special Education in Derby, New Orleans, LA, and retired in May of 2015 after teaching for years at the Special Day School for the Reno County Special Education Cooperative.
Kathy faced the complications of cancer bravely, refusing to let it define her. As her friends and family will attest, her texts and phone calls were filled more with warmth and curiosity than with complaint. Though her illness gradually took the incredible strength from her body and eventually the twinkle from her eyes, she never lost her sense of humor, or the warm, generous love she felt for her family and many friends.
Kathy is survived by: her two stepdaughters, Lindsey Jean Mayfield of Scottsdale, AZ, and Joey Wood of Kansas City; her three brothers, Jon of Lawrence, Dave of Port Orange, FL, Dan of Wichita; and ten nieces and nephews.
Kathy is also survived by “Buddy,” the cat she and Rick adored—who, in his own mysterious way, brought Kathy one last unexpected joy: the loving companionship of Jack Winters of Lawrence. Thanks, Jack, for the deep care, kindness, and comfort you brought into her life.
Cremation has taken place.
A Celebration of Kathy’s Life will be held in the spring at the farm, where Kathy and Rick enjoyed many years of their lives together. Plenty of notice will be given so friends and family can make plans to attend.
Please share your stories and memories in the comments; we would love to hear from everyone whose life was touched by Kathy.
Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Hutchinson Art Association or the Reno County Food Bank, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501