Catherine Louise Chontos

Catherine Louise Chontos passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, in her longtime Kansas City, KS home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on June 26, 1931, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Joseph and Louise Pavicic. Raised in the Catholic faith, Catherine attended St. John’s Elementary School and later graduated from Bishop Ward High School. Her caring and nurturing nature led her to pursue a career in nursing. She continued her education at St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth, Kansas, where she earned her nursing degree and began a lifelong vocation dedicated to caring for others. On May 9, 1954, Catherine married Joseph Eugene Chontos. Together they built a loving home and shared 57 years of devoted marriage and raised seven wonderful children.

Family was at the center of Catherine’s life. She found great joy in gathering loved ones around the dinner table, preparing meals, baking desserts, decorating cakes, and sharing the results of her hard work with family and friends. Her pastries were so incredible that it was common for friends and family to hide them to enjoy later for themselves, and nearly everyone who knew her was fortunate enough to receive a loaf of her famous povitica.

Catherine had a special gift for nurturing both people and plants. She could revive even the most neglected plant and delighted in sharing cuttings and gardening advice. In the same spirit, she cared for her family in countless practical ways, sewing everything from school uniforms to priestly vestments whenever needed. Whether through a meal, a helping hand, or thoughtful advice, she was always ready to give of herself.

She cherished time spent with family and friends and was known for her sharp memory, quick wit, and gift for storytelling. Her detailed recollections, memorable one-liners, and lively conversations often lasted longer than expected but were always enjoyed. She was also a loyal fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, and KU basketball and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her grandchildren at their sporting events

Faith was the foundation that guided Catherine throughout her life. A devoted member of St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, she actively participated in parish life through the Daughters of Isabella, service in the parish food kitchen, and other ministries. She never missed Mass, faithfully prayed for family and friends, and lived those prayers through action. She was thoughtful, opinionated, and compassionate, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Catherine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph. She was also preceded by her parents: Joseph & Louise Pavicic, and siblings: Ann (Pavicic) Jincks, Joseph Pavicic, and Fred Pavicic. Her legacy lives on through her children: Father Joseph Chontos Jr., Luanne Rieke (Tim), Julie Mika (Andrew), Laura Weese (Mark), Stephen Chontos, Paul Chontos, and Catherine Deleon (Albert); her 11 grandchildren: Greg (Shayna) Rieke, Kate Rieke (John Poweziak), Lauren (Bert) Cooper, Allison (Leo) Bremer, Preston (Jane) Mika, Kyle Mika, Hannah Mika, Connor Deleon, Ethan Deleon, Ryan Weese, and Maria Weese, and her 4 great-grandchildren: Mara & Sally Cooper, and Eden & Iris Poweziak. 

Visitation will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 708 N. 4th St. in KCK at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, with a Rosary at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Mass at 10:30 a.m. Fr. Joseph Jr. will be the singular celebrant at the funeral Mass. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Indian School, or a charity of your choice.