Monday, May 5, 2025.
Beloved wife of the late Charles Kraus Jr. for over 49 years; loving mother of Jennifer (Jeffery Smith) Kraus-Smith and Charles “Chuck” Kraus III; adoring grandmother of Brooke Wise, Gavin and Dylan Smith; cherished great-grandmother of Annabelle Wise; dear sister of Kevin (the late Jan) O’Leary and the late Michael Shane (Gladys) O’Leary, Dennis Patrick O’Leary, Mary Peg Babcock, Timothy Brian (surviving Judy) O’Leary and Leo Edwin O’Leary and special friend to the four-legged kind of Gizmo and the late Tyke. Our dearest sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend to many.
Born and raised in Affton, Missouri, Kathy graduated from Affton High School in 1972. Kathy met her husband, Charlie, and they got married on June 28th, 1975. Shortly thereafter they welcomed their first born, Jenny, on June 5th, 1976. Kathy could be found on the soccer field, softball field, and racquetball court. She loved her sports. On October 20th, 1985, the family of 4 was completed when Chuck was born. When Kathy’s brother, Kevin, opened O’Leary’s Restaurant in 1996, Kathy was so excited. She went to work at O’Leary’s where she met life long friends. To add to her love of sports, the all female O’Leary’s bowling team was formed where they spent Tuesday evenings at Concord Bowl. Kathy was also a true hockey mom, making sure Chuck made it to all of his hockey games and practices, rain, snow, or shine. Throughout the years, Kathy could regularly be found at the casino with Debbie. When Charlie passed away on July 27th, 2024, her heart was taken from her. Figuratively and emotionally, her heart couldn’t take anymore. Kathy and Charlie are together again. Mom, Kath, Sis…we LOVE you so much!
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Thursday, May 8 from 3-9 pm. with Funeral Service on Friday, May 9 at 9:00 am. Interment at Sunset Cemetery.
Chuck and Jennifer,
My deepest sympathies to you both, and your family. While I was not fortunate enough to have met your mother, I have no doubts that she was a remarkable woman, if the character of her children is any indication. May you both find comfort and strength in each other, and among all of those who love you, during this difficult time.
Jenny, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your mother. I know you are devastated to lose her so soon after the loss of your father. Please know that I will be praying for you all as you move through these days.
Jenny and Chuck,
This is shocking and heartbreaking news. I have known your mom since our Affton days and at the bowling alley. Even after we retired from bowling, we saw each other at O’Leary’s and at Flossie’s Ornament parties. She always made me laugh!
I am so sorry for your loss and for all of us who loved her.
Jenny and Chuck
We were so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing.No matter how old we are , it’s never easy to lose our mother and especially so soon after the loss of your Dad last year. May you find comfort in knowing they are together again and in all your wonderful memories. Mike & Tracy Toth
Jim & I have so many wonderful memories of Kathy (O’Leary) and her husband Charlie Kraus. Charlie a short time ago preceded Kathy leaving their lives here on earth. Our deepest condolences to Jennifer, Chuck & all of their families.
Kathy and I became close friends while attending Seven Holy Founders grade school. Back then many kids, including us, walked to and from school.
On many Summer Saturdays, we walked up Gravios Rd. to Rock Hill Rd. to Hwy. 66 to “window shop” at Crestwood Plaza. Back then it was an outside shopping center (years before the Mall was developed). That too is gone today. Julie Haring Mohrman was also one of our best of friends. Over the years as we began raising our families we always visited at the school picnic. Years later we were invited to Kathy’s surprise 1950’s party. We thanked her two children for inviting us. It was so good to see both Kathy, Charlie, their kids & the O’Leary family who I knew from spending time with Kathy at their childhood home.
Sometimes when we had a weekday off from school we would catch the bus on Mackenzie Rd. taking it downtown to visit Kathy’s Mom (She was a Secretary for an attorney if I can remember right). I can’t remember the exact age we were but I believe it was between grades 6 -8.  We are so thankful to God for growing up in a different time when kids were able to play outside and ride the Bi-state downtown with their friends safely. All of these many memories I will hold dear to my heart.
We are so sorry we are unable to come from our home in Florida for the funeral. Due to our health issues. May our Lord, Jesus Christ, provide you comfort and peace. Cherish your wonderful memories ❤️
Always enjoyed talking to your mom on our walks at Hightower. You had awesome parents full of life.prayers to your family
Sue & Kevin Kerlick
Kathleen, you were always a special lady. You always treated me great and you will be missed.
Rest in peace Kathleen.