Kathleen Hoff Youtsey, age 92, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, surrounded by love and with a life well lived.
Born May 20, 1933, in Harvey, Illinois, Kathy was the beloved daughter of Carl and Minette Hoff. As the daughter of a Disciple of Christ minister, she spent her childhood following her father’s calling, living in many communities across Missouri. Graduating from Smithville High School, carrying forward a lifelong devotion to faith, learning, and service.
While raising three energetic sons, Kathy furthered her own education with determination and joy. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from William Jewell College and later her Master of Education from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Kathy devoted 22 years to teaching in the North Kansas City School District, where she shaped young minds and modeled a deep love of learning.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Youtsey; her son, David Youtsey; her brother, Denny Hoff, and Denny’s wife, Patty Hoff.
She is survived by her sons Phillip Youtsey (Jill) and Paul Youtsey (Sandy); her grandchildren Matthew Youtsey (Amanda), Timothy Youtsey, Samantha Youtsey, and Lucas Youtsey; and her great-grandchildren Raelyn Youtsey (daughter of Timothy), and Miller and Anderson Youtsey (sons of Matthew). She is also survived by her brother Carl Hoff and his son Andrew Hoff.
Known to her friends as Kathy, to her sons as Mom, and to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren simply as Grandmother, she was the heart of her family. Those who knew her were blessed beyond measure—and continue to be blessed by her spirit.
Kathy set the standard for a life rooted in love: love of family, friends, learning, and faith. Always smiling, she carried an infectious positivity and a genuine curiosity about the world. She was an educator at heart, an avid reader, a lover of the arts, a devoted theater patron, a trusted advocate, a dedicated wife, and a deeply loving mother to three rambunctious boys. Above all else, Kathy lived by a simple, unwavering priority—family first. Her gentle guidance, grace, and example leave a legacy we all strive to follow.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, 4:00pm at First Christian Church of North Kansas City, a church and church family Kathy dearly loved.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to: First Christian Church of North Kansas City addressed to Attn: Memorial Fund, 2018 Gentry St., North Kansas City, MO 64116.
