ST. JOHN — Kathleen Fox died on Aug. 16, 2025 at Kenwood Plaza in St. John, Kan. at the age of 105. Kathleen was born on March 17, 1920 at St. John, Kan. She was the daughter of Arthur C. and Barbara Olive (Hundt) Schulz. 

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of St. John, Kan.  

Kathleen was the first woman pilot in Stafford County, Kan.

Kathleen has been a farmer, ran a dairy, owned a clothing store and shoe store in St. John. She also was the proud owner of a blue Corvette.

She also owned and ran a motel in Byers, Colo.  

Kathleen had many talents including her yard and flowers. She was assisted in her yard work by Herman and Hilda, two life-size dolls who kept the whole town interested in their antics in the summertime. Herman and Hilda have been retired to the St. John Museum where they currently reside.

Kathleen married Norman Batchman on Jan. 11, 1939. They had two sons, Loren Batchman and Robert (Bob) Batchman. Norman died on July 1, 1955.  

Kathleen married Henry Fox on March 20, 1965. She gained seven stepchildren. Henry died on Sept. 13, 1998.  

She was preceded in death by her two husbands; her brother Arthur Carl Jr. (Bud); and her sons, Loren in April 2012 and Robert on Aug. 17, 2023. 

She is survived by her daughters in law, Charlene Batchman of Lincoln, Kan. and Nancy Batchman of San Diego, Calif.; six grandchildren, Robert Batchman of Springfield, Mo., Ryan Batchman (Melissa) of Herington, Kan., Dena Powers (Jamie) of San Angelo, Texas, and Karl, Michelle and Erika Batchman of San Diego, Calif.

Her remains are donated to the University of Kansas Medical Center. By her request there will be no service.

Kathleen requested memorials to the City of St. John for the city square where she played as a child and volunteered to help with flowers for many years. Memorials may be sent to Minnis Chapel Box 34, St. John, KS 67576.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel 

Box 34

St. John, KS 67576

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 21, 2025