Kathy Jo Kraus

Kathy Jo Kraus was born November 3rd, 1956, in Paola, Kansas to Joe Kraus and Alice (Weatherbie) Wheeler. She grew up in Lane, Kansas where she attended schools in Lane and at Central Heights. She graduated from Central Heights High School with the class of 1975.

Kathy was united in marriage to Dennis Fredricks in Ottawa, Kansas May 13th, 1978. To this union one daughter, Amber Denise, was born. Their marriage ended in divorce.

Kathy lived in the Ottawa and Garnett area most of her life. She worked at King Radio, H.D. Lee, Midwest Cabinet, The Hilltop, Tradewinds Bar and Grill, RMA, Lane Bar, The Farm Shed, and Encore. Kathy always had a comeback and a strong whit, which made her perfect for working in collections and bartending over the years.

Kathy loved music, some of her favorites were Creedence Clearwater Revival, Def Leppard, Vince Gill, and of course, Tim McGraw. Over the years, Kathy found peace in cross-stitching, she was always working on a cross-stitch project for a family member or friend. Kathy enjoyed reading, fishing, road trips, Butterfinger Blasts, going to the picture show, dancing, the color peach, Bud Light, and sweet tea. Kathy was known for her ability to cook anything, she made the best pork chops with fried potatoes and gravy, no-baked cookies, and breakfast at 2:00am. If you know about the 2:00am breakfasts, then you know! She loved being a grandma, her granddaughter, Remi, was her pride and joy. She would find any opportunity to talk and brag about Remi.

Kathy was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Alice and Bill Wheeler. Her father and stepmother, Joe and Sue Kraus. Sister, Bonnie Kraus. Grandparents Frank and Blanche Weatherbie and Elsie Kraus. Cousin, Kenny Weatherbie. Aunts, Dorothy, Janie, Hazel, and Jo Diane. Ex-husband, Dennis Fredricks.

She is survived by her daughter, Amber Fredricks-Crist (Jason). Granddaughters, Jalyn and Remington Crist. Brother, Randy Kraus. Sister, Donna Bowman. Uncle, Ronnie (Jo) Weatherbie. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Kathy’s celebration of life will be held on May 2nd, 2026, at 1:00pm at the Lane Bar and Grill in Lane, Kansas.