MARCH 16, 2016

Cathy Speer Klaver, a popular and vivacious resident of Kingman and Wichita for nearly 70 years, died quietly Sunday, March 13, at Via Christi Hospital St. Francis in Wichita. She died, at the age of 71, from complications stemming from a rare degenerative neurological disorder.

Cathy was born in Wichita, the daughter of Woodrow 'Woody' and Margaret Speer, on July 14, 1944. She spent her formative years in Wichita, graduating from Southeast High School in 1962. She was the school's Basketball Sweetheart her senior year.

Cathy went on to the University of Kansas where she majored in education and minored in French. During one semester she studied French civilization at the University of Paris (France). Following graduation, Cathy lived in Topeka, Detroit and Selma, Ala. before settling in Kingman in the early 1970s. She taught French at Kingman High School for a short period before leaving to raise a family.

During the next 35+ years Cathy became a popular figure in Kingman, participating in and helping lead community social, civic and cultural activities. She was a formidable bridge player, an extraordinary hostess and home decorator, and always a lady. She and her former husband, William Klaver, raised two children, developed an extensive network of friends throughout Kansas and the U.S., maintained a lovely home, and traveled extensively. Among her fondest memories were the years she spent with her PEO sisters in Kingman. Additionally, she was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

In 2008, Cathy moved to Wichita and the Reflection Ridge community on the city's west side. There, she renewed contacts and friendships among the network of wonderful women with whom she had attended school in Wichita.

By 2013, after struggling for years with various symptoms, she was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy. She bore her debilitating condition with uncommon grace, patience and even humor. She was a model of strength, courage and awe to those closest to her.

Cathy is survived by her children, son Christopher Klaver (Kelli) of Wichita, and daughter Kelley Klaver Pecheux (Benjamin) of McLean, Va.; four grandchildren: Cassandra, Sophia, Nathan and Chloe; brother Greg Speer (Mary) of Grand Junction, Colo.; sister Sally Speer Didier (Steve) of Lakewood, Colo.; former sister-in-law Robin Flesher (Kirk); former brother-in-law Jake Klaver (Becky); five nieces: Sara, Erin, Amber, Jamie and Courtney; three nephews: Ryan, Tod and Dustin; her devoted and loving caregivers: Bertie, Ginny, April, Jamie, Maria and Le-Sheril; and her wonderful, long-time friend Butch Sankey.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit at Via Christi Hospital St. Francis for the professional care Cathy received during the final hours of her life, as well as Always There Senior Care in Wichita for supplementing caregiving for Cathy. She was most grateful for the guidance provided by the neurologists at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

There will be a graveside service for the family Tuesday morning, March 22, with a celebration of Cathy's glorious life at 11 a.m. at the Livingston Funeral Home at 1830 N. Main in Kingman. The family will host a reception for Cathy's long-time friends that afternoon, starting at 2:30 p.m., in her home at 2424 Morning Dew in Wichita.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider making a donation in Cathy's name to CurePSP, 30 E. Padonia Rd., Ste. 201, Timonium, MD 21093, or go to www.psp.org/donate/ways-to-give.html.

Livingston Funeral Home in Kingman has charge of arrangements.

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