Kathryn (Kay) Lorene Gilbert Stauss' Obituary
Kathryn (Kay) Lorene Gilbert Stauss of Tulsa Oklahoma passed away Sunday, August 13th. She was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas on February 25, 1939, to Wilson and Lorene Gilbert. She was proceeded in death by her mother and father, and recently lost her beloved husband, Bill Pete Stauss five months ago.
Kay Stauss was married to Bill Pete for 64 years until his passing. They were companions who loved one another dearly. She had a joy of travel and went on many adventures with Bill, her friends, and children. They cruised and traveled to many parts of the world and enjoyed meeting new people. Kay cherished her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They were her joy and she loved telling stories about them.
Those who were close to her knew she was very passionate about life, women’s issues, and socializing with her many friends, often with a wine glass in her hand. She always loved a good party. Kay and Bill also took up ballroom dancing and they both became quite good through hours of classes and dances. A friend of hers stated, “There was always a sense of ‘mischief’ surrounding her; like she knew something you didn't know and that put you at a disadvantage. Simply charming!” She also loved animals along with Bill’s beloved Billy Bob. She was probably more of a cat person though and had two feline friends during the last twenty years of her life.
Kay went back late in life to obtain her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. She believed this accomplishment opened a whole new world for her. She was very proud of achieving this goal after raising both of her children. Through her educational pursuits, she loved learning about art and more progressive ideals than her traditional upbringing allowed. After obtaining her degrees, she worked as a counselor at Whitney Elementary in Tulsa, Oklahoma for several years.
Survivors include one son, David Stauss and wife Susan of Temple, Texas; one daughter Kimberly Stauss and husband Mark Elkington of Fayetteville, Arkansas; four grandchildren Jenny Stauss (married to Jerod Enger), Laura Douglas (married to Brian Douglas), Dylan Elkington-Stauss, and Caleb Elkington-Stauss; and four great grandchildren Parker, Colton, Ollie, and Otto.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville.
A small family memorial service will be held later. In honor of Kay’s love of animals and social issues, we would love for you to give to Planned Parenthood or Best Friends Animal Society in lieu of flowers.
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