Kathleen Marie "Sully" Ways

Kathleen Marie (Sullivan) Ways, famously known as Sully, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 79. A selfless wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Sully leaves behind a legacy of compassion, laughter, and fond memories.

Kathleen was born September 28, 1946, in Crete, Nebraska, and spent her early years on the family farm. She attended Crete High School, then Doane College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education. After moving to Kansas City, she began her teaching career with the first grade at Davidson Elementary in North Kansas City. In 1971, Sully married Phil Ways and they had three children.

Home and family were everything to Sully. Once the kids started school, Phil moved his small business into the basement of their beloved Brookside home, and they began working together daily at Midwest Safeguard Systems. Later, she cut back her hours to provide childcare for her first grandson, Mackenzie. Three more grandchildren came along, and she was always available… for babysitting, a meal, a craft, cookies to bake, or a game to play. She spent a few years teaching music at St. Peter's preschool while two of them were students. Grandma was so proud of those kids and could be seen at almost every game, concert, play, or Christmas program.

Sully never sat still. Whether playing bridge or other games, doing a craft or jigsaw puzzle, knitting, volunteering, or- her favorite- gardening, her hands and mind were busy. She was always making a list. Sully loved throwing parties; drinks in the front yard, cookouts in the back, and annual Christmas Eve open houses. Her home and her heart were always full.

Sully loved people and loved to share- food, stories, plants, and her time. She was a volunteer at Children's Mercy Hospital, ran the Christmas Gifting program at Guardian Angels school, enjoyed Knitting for Neighbors at St. Peter's, grew fresh produce for the food pantry at St. Therese Little Flower, and did anything and everything for Journey to NewLife's Journey House.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Irvin Sullivan; her brothers, Duane and Vernon Sullivan; and her dear second mother, Aunt Kit.

Sully is survived by her husband of 54 years, Phil Ways; her three children, Andrea Ways Newman (Chris Newman), Brendan Ways & Alicia Ways; her four grandchildren, Mackenzie Ways and Drew, Luke, & Liza Newman; and her sister, Carol Mullendore of Lincoln, NE; nieces and nephews and many, many friends.

A funeral Mass celebrating Sully's life will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, November 24, 2025 (9:30 am visitation) at St. Therese Little Flower, 5814 Euclid, Kansas City, Missouri. Donations in her name may be made to Journey to New Life or The Alzheimer's Association.