Kathryn Frances Edwards

Kathryn “Kay” Frances (Kepler) Edwards May 26, 1938 – August 29, 2025 Kay Edwards lived an extraordinary and beautiful life, rich in love, laughter, family, friendship, community, music, art, sports and education. She touched the lives of countless others and left an indelible mark on her community. Born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska in 1938 to James Hollis Kepler and Frances Mary Filbin, she and her family moved to Fort Collins, CO in 1942. The family settled on Elizabeth Street where she enjoyed an idyllic childhood along with sister Carol and brother Jim riding the trolley, playing golf, camping in the Poudre Canyon, and developing lifelong friendships. She developed a love for music early on listening to her father play the guitar and sing at gatherings, listening to jazz records, singing in choirs, and playing the piano herself. After graduating Fort Collins High School in 1956, she paid her way through college at CSU by working at Julian’s, a local dress shop downtown, and babysitting for close family friends. Never one to miss out on anything, she involved herself in a multitude of clubs, activities, and positions while at CSU, including Class Treasurer, Business Manager of the Collegian newspaper, Tri Delta Sorority member, and as a singer in Showstoppers - an a cappella group. Her caring nature, affinity for medicine, and organizational skills led her to study and earn a degree in Occupational Therapy. Her career took her to Houston, TX where she met her first husband Gary Gross. Robert (Bob) was born in 1964, and Susan was born exactly two years later. Eventually, Kay, Bob, and Susan moved back to her hometown of Fort Collins in 1970. Upon her return to Fort Collins, Kay reconnected with longtime friend Larry Edwards, and they were married in 1975. They originally met in Sidney, Nebraska in 1953 where Larry lived and Kay had family. Kay taught Occupational Therapy at CSU, gave birth to Jennifer in 1977, earned her master's degree in OT in May 1979, and gave birth to Jonathan in July 1979. She retired from her career in OT to stay at home and involved herself in numerous organizations around town. She volunteered at Foothills Gateway helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She sang in operas and poured herself into the Fort Collins Symphony Women’s Guild (now called the The Friends of the Symphony) by fundraising, bringing snacks, volunteering on the board, serving as President, and spreading her love of music. This is best reflected in her work to build an endowment for the symphony chairs which has grown beyond her imagination through her tireless efforts. Larry and Kay together were so many things; adventurous, generous, kind, loving, supportive. For decades they attended CSU football and basketball games, always with bright smiles for their fellow Rams. They supported sports and academics of their respective universities with immense pride and the forethought to pay forward the benefits and opportunities they had been afforded. Kay and Larry’s adventures were too numerous to list, but their most cherished memories were times spent with their grandchildren and great-grandchild. Hiking, camping, boating, golfing, fishing, traveling, skiing and celebrating life. On July 27, 2025, Larry and Kay celebrated 50 years of marriage. The outpouring of love and gratitude continued in following weeks from all walks of life as Kay transitioned from this life, surrounded by loved ones and music in her home. Kay was a force of nature—profoundly gifted in countless ways: as an organizer and connector of people, as a champion of the arts, sports, and education, as a musician and lover of music, as a gifted cook and gracious hostess, and as someone blessed with extraordinary memory and eloquence. Most of all, she shined as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Kay offered care and comfort when it was needed most. She had a gift for making everything more beautiful and for bringing goodness to her family, friends, and community. Kay is survived by her husband of 50 years Larry, her two sons Robert Gross (Beverly) and Jonathan Edwards (Meghan); two daughters Susan Petersen (Bill) and Jennifer Johnson (Doug); her sister Carol Story; grandchildren Alex, Nicholas (Robert); Andrew and Owen (Susan); Josephine, Evan, Jake and Dane (Jennifer); Elliot and Griffin (Jonathan); and great-grandson Ezra (Robert). Kay was preceded in death by her parents James Hollis Kepler, Frances Mary Kepler and her brother, James “Jim” Kepler. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:30pm on Friday, October 10, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 300 W. Mountain Ave, Fort Collins CO 80521, burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery, and a Celebration of Life Reception will begin at 4:00pm at The Drake Centre, 802 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins CO 80526. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra or to a charitable organization of your choice.

Tributes

Kathryn Frances Edwards

May 26, 1938 - August 29, 2025