MELVERN, Kan. – Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Young, 71, of Melvern, Kan., passed away after a five-year battle with pancreatic cancer on September 19, 2023. Kathy was born in Topeka, Kansas on March 2, 1952, to Vince Andre Young and Helen Mae Patterson Young.

Kathy owned and operated Kathy’s Kitchen, formerly Whistle Stop Cafe, in Melvern, for approximately 25 years.

Kathy graduated from Melvern High School in 1970, and the University of Hair Design Cosmetology School in 1971.

She is survived by her sisters, Marilyn Hines, of Topeka, and Jane Yocum (Kenny), Melvern; four children and spouses, Marcie Frederickson (Ty), Overbrook, Kan., Justin Hamilton (Brooke), Overbrook, Janell Carter, Emporia, Kan., and Miranda Hamilton, Topeka. The father of her children, Patric Hamilton, Holton, Kan., also survives. Kathy especially loved her eight grandchildren, Giles and Grady Frederickson, Sienna and Kaya Hamilton, Devan Zorn, Jaden Hamilton, and Lara and Logan Parker. Kathy also has three nephews, Matthew Hines, Ryan Young (Gwen), and Jon Erik Yocum; and a niece, Kim Gasiorowski (Duke).

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Andre and Helen Young; brother, James (Jim) Young; nephew, Jason Young; and her husband, Jules Malain.

Kathy was deeply loved by the Melvern community, her family, and friends. She loved to travel to visit her family in places around the world, including Washington, Hawaii, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Kathy generously provided a warm and welcoming place to chat over coffee and a slice of the world’s finest homemade pie. Serving others was among her greatest joys. She will be missed tremendously, and her remarkable personal strength and spirit of generosity are her legacy.

Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m. Oct. 8, at the Melvern Community Center, Melvern. In lieu of flowers, Kathy requested that donations be made to either Midland Hospice House, Topeka, or True Grace Church, Melvern.