Catherine Ijams

Catherine "Kay" Ijams

Catherine "Kay" Ijams peacefully ended her battle
with cancer on Nov. 15, 2002 at a Topeka hospice house.
"Kay" was born Catherine Elizabeth Johnson on January
28, 1923 to William and Cora Kelsey Johnson in Ottawa,
KS. She grew up in the Ottawa community then, in her late
teens, married John W. Springer. After living in California
and returning to Ottawa, they moved to Topeka in 1959
where they later divorced. She has been the bride of
Charles V. "Chuck" Ijams since February 20, 1969, he
survives.
She worked for MFA Insurance and USD #501 until
1966 when she became employed by The Kansas
Neurological Institute. She served there until retirement
in 1988 as an educator, vocational trainer and research
assistant for Kansas University. She was professionally
a member of the American Association of Mental Deficiency
and the Council of Exceptional Children. She enjoyed her
latter years of retirement in Kimberling City, MO.
She contributed to our community as a Girl Scout
Leader, preschool coordinator and nursery coordinator.
She also gave through the Election Board, Audubon Society
and Phi Sigma Alpha Sorority. She treasured her membership
at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene and cherished
the loving fellowship of her church family.
In addition to her husband, Charles, she is survived
by a daughter, Nancy Tomlinson of Tucson, AZ, a daughter
and son-in-law, Peggy and Wally Fisher of Topeka, two
step-children; Wendy Garrett of Kansas City and Roy Lee
Ijams of Emporia; five grandchildren; Tracy Holder and her
husband, Chris (Wichita, KS), Scott Tomlinson (Houston, TX),
Michael, Arianne and Kelsey Fisher all of Topeka and two
great-grandsons, Ethan and Kaleb Holder (Wichita, KS).
At her request she was cremated. In place of a service
she desired that you honor her by praying for and sending
a Valentine card to someone who is seriously ill on
February 14 (her favorite holiday). In lieu of flowers she
and the family would appreciate donations being made in
her name to Midland Hospice House (200 SW Frazier
Circle, Topeka, KS 66606) where she was kindly and
generously cared for the last days of her life.