CUMMINGS, Kathy Lou (Rogers) - b. June 24, 1956 - d. December 10, 2024

[patyrn]

Kathy Lou Cummings, age 68, of Howard, Kansas, passed away December 10, 2024.  She was born June 24, 1956 to Everett and Florien (Mitchell) Rogers in Welch, Oklahoma.

Kathy grew up in Lenapah, Oklahoma and graduated from Lenapah High School in May 1974.  Shortly after graduating, Kathy married the love of her life, Allen Cummings on June 22, 1974.  The two lovebirds met at the Coffeyville skating rink where Allen worked while attending Coffeyville Community College.  He asked her to skate, and then before leaving, she invited him to church.  To her surprise, he showed up on Sunday.  Just a few short months later, Allen proposed at his parents' home at Christmas.  After marrying in June, Kathy moved to Howard, Kansas with Allen to work on the family farm.  Together they raised two children, Melissa and Ron.

In September 1984, Kathy began working at West Elk USD #282 as the Special Education Secretary.  In 1989, she took on the position as Superintendent's Secretary/Treasurer.  During her time at the district, she also drove a school bus route and was a member of KAEOP and NAEOP. Kathy worked for the district for 29 years before retiring to be home with Allen.

After retirement, Kathy kept busy crafting, sewing, helping run errands for Allen, caring for her mom, helping at her church, making the most delicious pies for birthdays, making pillows for her great-nieces and nephews as well as for the children at church and wider community.

Kathy's love for her family was evident every day, and she was a true example of strength and kindness.  She loved her Lord and never hesitated to put trust in Him.  She helped instill that same faith in her family. She and her family attend the Howard First Baptist Church where she also shared her love for God and His children.  Her faith carried over to those she met, especially while she was fighting her battle with leukemia.  She always made sure to share her testimony and her love for God with those she encountered.

Kathy is survived by her husband of fifty years, Allen Cummings of the home; her daughter, Melissa (Brad) Baumgartel; her son, Ron (Jessie) Cummings; grandchildren, Levi, Clancy, and Callie; her mother, Florien Rogers, her sisters, Nancy (Mike) Hait and Mary (Alan) Gassett; her brothers, Lester (Beth) Rogers, Dennis (Glenna) Rogers, and David (Tammy) Rogers; her brothers-in-law, Kenneth Cummings and Don (Jan) Cummings; her sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Larry) Hughes and Rita (Richard) Nienstedt; and numerous nieces, nephews and dearly loved friends.

Preceding Kathy are her granddaughter Isabella Hope Baumgartel; her daddy, Everett; her brother, L. D. Rogers; her grandparents, Clarence and Alice (Long) Mitchell, Charley Rogers, Louis Rogers, and Callie Mae (Corn) Rogers; and her sisters-in-law, Diane Cummings and Sharon Rogers.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Howard, Kansas with burial to follow at Clear Creek Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  The family requests you wear purple or bright colored clothing, not black.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to either the First Baptist Church in Howard or the Elk County Cancer Walk Fund and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countryside fuh.com.  Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)