Kathryne Jeanett " Cass" Bruening

Kathryne “Cass” Jeanette Bruening, 95, of Independence, Kansas, passed peacefully with family by her side on July 9, 2025.

Cass was born on June 9, 1930, in Columbus, Kansas, to Lloyd and Ruth Holley. She was the proud older sister of Jane (Keller) and Ted Holley. After graduating high school in Columbus, she eventually settled in Independence, where she married, Robert “Bob” Bruening.

Cass excelled in many areas throughout her life. She worked as a real estate agent for several years and, alongside Bob, owned and operated Mr. B’s Deli in Independence. Later, she served as the Social Service Director at Medicalodges in Independence and eventually ran Tidy Whities Laundromat for her daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Jack Martin.

Deeply committed to her community, Cass remained actively involved well into her 90s. She served on the Residential Advisory Board and was crowned Medicalodges Valentine’s Day Queen at age 94. A trailblazer for women in civic life, she was the First Lady to serve on the Neewollah Board of Directors, First Lady Neewollah Generalissimo in 1977, and the First Lady Neewollah Grand Marshal in 2008 — an honor she repeated in 2023. Her involvement in Neewollah began in the 1960s and included many roles, her favorite being Queen’s Director for several years.

Cass also founded the Contemporary Studies Club in Independence and was a member of numerous organizations, including the Independence Country Club, Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), and Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. She volunteered her time at Mercy Hospital, Helping Hands and The Salvation Army. Cass was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved her community, her porch chats with neighbors, shopping, baking cinnamon rolls, coffee with friends, and spreading joy wherever she went. She had an infectious smile and a listening ear for anyone in need.

Cass was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Bruening; her sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Jon Keller; her brother, Ted Holley; and her son, Steve Keys.

She is survived by her daughter, Lori (Jack) Martin; her son, Larry (Claire) Keys; Sister-in-law Sue Holley; grandchildren Stevie, Kelly, Ti, Casey, Chance, Lindsay, and Lauren; great-grandchildren Emily, Autumn, Kenzee, Jace, Avery, Gage, Reed, Jake, Willa, Audie, Roy, Ellie, Cora, Allie, Lucus, Emma, and Sophia; great-great-grandchild Gannon; nieces and nephews Jan, Jennifer, Pax, Tucker, Jamie, Nick, Jonathan, Miguel, Rylee, Peyton, PJ and Piper; her border collie, Sissy; and many lifelong friends.

Celebration of Life for Cass will be July 18, 2025 at the Independence Country Club at 2pm. Everyone is invited to stay for hors d’oeuvres which will be provided as well as a cash bar as we share our memories about Cass. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.