Katharine (Kate) Anna Graf

Katharine (Kate) Anna Graf, age 70, of New Bloomfield, Mo., passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Kate was born December 28, 1949 in Kansas City, Missouri. She grew up in Kansas City and Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Kate graduated from Westport High School, Kansas City, Missouri, Class of 1967; University of Missouri at Kansas City, B.A. English 1971; and Catholic University, Washington DC, MSLIS (Master of Science in Library and Information Science) 1975. Kate was retired as a Reference Librarian from the Missouri State Library in Jefferson City and previously held a number of work positions in diverse areas, both in the private and the public sector, including librarian, bookstore owner, and various positions for the State of Missouri including the Department of Natural Resources, Coordinating Board for Higher Education and State Census Data Center. Kate spent her time away from work with her beloved family of dogs. She also had a great love of books and music and was a longtime member of Kansas City Science Fiction and Fantasy Fandom. Kate was active as a book dealer at conventions, antique malls, and flea markets. Kate enjoyed the opera, country music and building dollhouses and miniatures. Kate also volunteered in the community: The Special Learning Center in Jefferson City, Mo.; Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.; and Hospice. Kate also served as either board member or volunteer to the various Science Fiction and Miniature groups in which she participated. Kate was a fun loving and giving daughter, niece, sister, aunt and great aunt and was always a spark at a family or club gathering. She was an encourager and blessed many with her generosity, playing games, coloring, creating, and building doll houses for family and friends. She is survived by four brothers, Michael E. (Margaret J.), Victor D. (Sallie), Joseph A., Stephen L. (Karen) Graf; nephews and nieces; and grand-nephews and grand-nieces. Kate was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Edward Graf and Mrs. Pauline A. Graf; and two brothers, Robert G. and Kenneth R. Graf. Interment was at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be given to Kansas City Hospice.