KATHLEEN "KATHY" SUE WARD, 79 , retired Insurance Agent, peacefully passed away on August 25, 2022, with family by her side at Homestead of Crestview in Wichita. Kathleen was born on May 10, 1943, in Newton, Kansas to Harold and Phoebe Jane {Keady} Hughes. Kathy grew up on the family farm and attended and graduated from Newton High where she enjoyed outshifting the boys in her '57 Chevy. Her love for raising and riding horses started with her first horses Jean, Star, and Millie. That love grew from racing horses to barrel racing until she was no longer able to a few years ago. She was well known in the horse world, especially for Bold Ole Man, son of The Ole Man. Kathy loved her family dearly and spent a lot of time hauling them around to various events, especially Jed to his bull ridings. Kathy also loved all of her dogs, especially Cookie who was always by her side, except when she escaped to chase the broncs in the rodeo arena.

Kathy is survived by her children Janette Woods(Ray) and Jed Ward(Amy); grandchildren Trenton Simrell(Kelly), Christina Villafranco, Jackson Ward, Laela Ward, and Lukasey Ward; great-grandchildren Azlyn, Michael, Laura (Michael), Madilyn, Morgan, Jonathon, Anthony, Nevaeh; sister Patricia "Pat" Moulds; brother Robert "Bob" Hughes(Judy); sister-in-law Bonnie Hughes, partner-in-crime Kay Schommer; and many other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Phoebe; brother Wayne Hughes,  brother-in-law Dean Moulds, niece Janie, nephew Kevin, and her traveling partner, Cookie.

A memorial celebration will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at the Newton Saddle Club where she was a lifetime member, 701 W 1st St, Newton, KS. In honor of Kathy, those attending can wear purple, Kathy's favorite color.