Kathryn Irene (Barton) Fuller

After a lengthy battle with dementia, Kathryn Irene (Barton) Fuller passed away on April 24, 2024. She is now at peace and resting in the arms of Jesus.

Kathy was born on December 19, 1951, in Fredonia, KS to Ivel Henry Barton, Sr. and Dorothy Irene (Dutrow) Barton, the fifth of seven children. She is preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: Ivel (Spike) Barton Jr., Jerry Lee Barton and infant brother Jimmy Ray Barton and her husband, Duane Delbert (Bud) Fuller. Kathy is survived by: Jackie Lynn Barton (Linda), Carolyn (Barton) Rathgeber (Bill), Mark Alan Barton (Shana), sisters-in-law Glenda Gilmore Barton and Joyce Hannah Barton Watson, many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Growing up Kathy was a faithful attendee of First Baptist Church in Fredonia, KS. Kathy loved music of all kinds and was active in her church and school choirs. It was at kid’s summer church camp that Kathy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was later baptized in the church. Later summers, she also served with the summer camp staff.

Kathy was a 1970 graduate of Fredonia High School. While in high school, Kathy served as a candy striper at St. Margaret’s Mercy Hospital. She also served as part of the high school cafeteria staff during lunch time.

After high school Kathy moved to Independence, KS attending Independence Community College, later relocating to Topeka, KS where she worked for Payless ShoeSource headquarters for 37 years including occasional overseas travel.

Kathy also served in the Army Reserves from February 1975 to January 1978 in Independence, KS. We are grateful for her time of service to our country.

Kathy was married to the love of her life, Bud Fuller, for 32 years. Together they enjoyed cruises with friends along with playing in various bowling and pool leagues. Later in life, golf became their chosen sport, playing with many friends and neighbors. Bud was a great teacher for Kathy.

Kathy was a faithful member of St. Andrews Church in Topeka, KS, an active member of the choir and served as an elder for a time. Kathy “was in charge of Fellowships and did a fantastic job of planning potluck dinners as well as our community dinners: pancake breakfast, chili supper, ham & bean supper and many more.” Kathy also served on a rotation in counting and depositing church offerings.

Kathy served with Cornerstone of Topeka helping to provide housing to the homeless, low income, disabled and special needs community of Topeka. “She was an esteemed and much-loved board member. After a time, Kathy became board treasurer working with staff treasurer monthly going over books, writing checks and reporting back to the board our financial status as compared to the budget and explain any major differences in expenses or income.”

Over the years, Kathy and Bud added many fur babies (Keeshonds) to their household: Brandi the St. Bernard; Keeshonds: Dolly, Simba, Charlie, Abbi. In Kathy’s last few years with Abbi, it was such a joy for them to visit care facilities for the elderly and see the joy their visits brought to the faces and hearts of the residents. A sweet blessing for all!

In lieu of flowers honoring Kathy’s passing, please consider:

Helping Hands Humane Society, Inc; 5720 S.W. 21st; Topeka, KS 66604 OR act.alz.org -- Brookdale OKC Southwest Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team Page

Your gift will go directly to Kathy’s ‘home’ where she was so well loved and cared for by the full caregiving community. Such a blessing this ‘home’ has been for Kathy these past almost three years. “Thank you” in advance!

Remembrance visitation will be on May 6th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. AND funeral service will be on May 7th at 10:00am at Brennan Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

Graveside service will be at Memorial Park Cemetery of Topeka, 3616 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS immediately following the funeral service. 

To share a memory of Kathy or leave condolences for the family, please visit www.brennanmathenafh.com.  

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.