Cathryn L. Johnson

Cathryn L. Johnson, 66, of Cherryvale, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 6, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived.

Born on July 3, 1959, in Wichita, Kansas, Cathy was the daughter of John Oliphant and Margaret Kudrick Oliphant. She attended and graduated from West High School in Wichita, where she formed many lasting friendships and began a life marked by kindness, determination, and service to others.

Cathy married Danny Johnson in Miami, Oklahoma in 1977, and together they made their home in Anderson, Missouri, before relocating to Howard, Kansas. During her years in Howard, Cathy proudly served her community through the Elk County Sheriff's Office as a dispatcher, EMT, and part-time deputy. Her willingness to help others during difficult times reflected her caring heart and strong sense of duty.

Following her move to Cherryvale, Cathy found great fulfillment working as a paraprofessional with Tri-County, serving students in both the Cherryvale and Independence school districts.

More than any title or occupation, Cathy cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her happiest moments were spent with family—attending her grandchildren's sporting events, school activities, and celebrations. She never missed an opportunity to support those she loved. She also found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially fishing with a minnow and bobber, where patience, peace, and nature combined to create some of her favorite memories. She had a special gift for making people laugh with a wildly funny orneriness that was contagious.

Those who knew Cathy will remember her warm smile, generous spirit, and unwavering love for her family. She was a source of strength and comfort, always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear, or words of encouragement. Her love leaves a lasting legacy in the lives she touched.

She is survived by her children: Matthew Johnson and wife Jania of Huntsville, Alabama; Norman Johnson and wife Becky of Cherryvale, Kansas; Danny “Cotton” Johnson and wife Lexi of Meeker, Oklahoma; and Anna Lawless and husband Toby of Elk City, Kansas.

She is also survived by her brothers, David Oliphant and wife Dawn of Cherryvale, Kansas; Johnny Oliphant of Wichita, Kansas; and Ernie Oliphant and wife Joan of Cherryvale, Kansas; her sisters, Victoria Belshe and husband Mike of Wichita, Kansas, and Rebecca Edison of Wichita, Kansas; and her beloved grandchildren: Brady, Ashlyn, Macey, Toby Jr., Brooke, Landon, Ellie, Grant, and Hazel whose love brought her great joy.

Though her family grieves in her passing, they take comfort in knowing that Cathy’s love, compassion, and humor will remain with them always.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Webb & Rodrick Chapel. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Cherryvale, Kansas.

The family invites friends and loved ones to share memories and messages of comfort as they celebrate the life of a woman whose greatest treasure was her family and whose greatest gift was her love.

Memorial contributions can be made to AWOL in Independence, KS. In memory of Cathy’s best friend and companion, Murphy.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.