Kathy Louise (Olen) Gabaric, 79, of Independence passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 8th.

Kathy was born August 27th, 1942, in Parsons, KS, the daughter of the late Ruby (Seaman) Olen and Arthur Olen. She grew up in Parsons and attended Parsons High School, graduating in 1960. She married the late Johnny Gabaric on April 14th, 1973.  The couple traveled extensively during Johnny’s time in the US Army, enjoying time living in Hawaii, Germany, and North Carolina before eventually making their home in Cherryvale, KS upon his retirement from the service.

Kathy enjoyed many hobbies including cooking, fishing, cross stitch, watching old westerns, and making homemade jellies.  She was an avid bowler and was an active member of Epiphany Episcopal Church. Kathy’s favorite activity was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Ruby, husband Johnny, Aunt Ruth Cox, sister-in-law Dee Olen, and niece Dawn Olen.  She is survived by her daughters Kristie (Gabaric) Groff, Kara Gabaric, both of Independence, her sister Anna (Olen) Bolinger of Branson, Mo, her brother Michael Olen of Killeen, TX and their spouses.  She is also survived by her granddaughters Stephani and Savannah Groff, and Kayla Freel, as well as two great grandchildren Teagan and Taylen Rash. Also surviving are cousins Janine and Glenda Cox, nephew Verlyn Bolinger JR, niece Laura (Bolinger) Logan and great nieces Whitney (Bolinger) Kephart and Elsa Stone.

Visitation for Kathy will be at Potts Chapel of Independence, Monday, October 18th from 1:00pm to 7:00pm, with the family receiving visitors from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Funeral services will be held at Epiphany Episcopal Church in Independence on Tuesday, October 19th at 11:00am, with graveside services immediately following. The Reverend Sharon Billman will officiate.

Masks will be required during the indoor portion of the services.

The family asks that in leu of flowers, memorials be made to the Independence Public Library, or Epiphany Episcopal Church.