Saturday, September 14, 2019
Kathleen Laura Taff (nee Kamp) was born on February 6, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri. Kathy grew up the only girl alongside her beloved siblings Richard, Robert, and Ralph. She graduated from McKinley High School and remained a dedicated and involved GoldBug for many decades. Kathy married Kenneth H. Taff on August 22, 1953 and they enjoyed 49 years of marriage. Together they raised four children, Kristine, Kenneth B., Maureen, and Steven and eventually made their way to Ferguson, Missouri, where they lived for over 30 years. When their youngest child entered 4th grade, Kathy embarked on a 25-year career as an elementary school teacher, providing creative learning experiences for children from 1st through 6th grade at various schools in the Hazelwood and Riverview Gardens School Districts. Kathy was a professional pianist and a proud member of Local 2-197 Musician’s Association of St. Louis. She could be heard playing around St. Louis County at various clubs throughout the 1970’s and early 1980’s. Following her retirement from teaching, Kathy and Ken moved to Crestwood, Missouri, which was home for nearly 26 years. After retiring from teaching, Kathy served as an Oasis volunteer tutor for elementary age children in the Lindbergh School District for another decade. Kathy was a passionate educator, loving mother, grandmother and wife, and a loyal friend. She loved music, gardening, flowers of all kinds, the color lavender, and swimming and socializing at the Ferguson Public Pool. She is survived by her brother Ralph (Nancy), children Kristine Cross (Greg), Kenneth B. Taff, Maureen Finch, and Steve Taff (Helen), and grandchildren Joshua, Rachel, and Daniel Cross, Alexandra and Samantha Finch, and Aidan and Ryan Taff. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to the Oasis Institute in St. Louis at oasisnet.org
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois on Sunday September 22, 2019 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM. Funeral service on Monday, September 23 at 11:30 AM. Interment at J.B. National Cemetery