Demarest, Kathryn M. 1953-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.
Kathryn Marie (Neyhart) Demarest, 71, St. Joseph, entered Heaven’s gate on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. She was born Nov. 27, 1953, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Franklin Cursey and Ruth Ellen (McLeland) Neyhart.
Kathy grew up in Raytown, Missouri, and graduated from Raytown South High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in art at Central Missouri State University.
Kathy taught art for 32 years – one year at Buchanan County R-IV then 31 years at Mid-Buchanan R-V school districts.
On June 25, 1977, Kathy married Richard L. Demarest, and gained the nickname “Sugarbear.” He survives of the home.
Kathy was a longtime member of Hyde Valley United Methodist Church in St. Joseph and United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, and was actively involved in Boy Scouts of America, becoming one of the first female members of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.
In her earlier years she was initiated in the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, December 22, 1965, in Kansas City. She was a Past Worthy Advisor and Majority Member of the Marlborough Assembly #77 and Master of the Grand Cross of Color.
Kathy was a window designer and newspaper ad artist for Townsend Wall Department Store, St. Joseph.
She was a Campfire Girl, and was a decade-long St. Joseph Figure Skating Club member
Kathy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, cook, gifted teacher, artist, and quilter. She was an incredibly kind, comforting, and genuinely good person.
She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Jeannette Lancaster Neyhart; sister, Ruthelyn Neyhart; and beloved dog, Muffin.
Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Richard; sons, Richard Christopher Demarest (GraceAnn), Stephen Lyle Demarest (Nichola), and Matthew Lyn Demarest (Amber); grandchildren, Colin Richard, Joshua Stephen, Noah Alexander, Victoria Rose, Natalie Elizabeth, Isabella Hope, Charlotte Breslin, and Grant Alexander Demarest; sister, Gae Clark (John); brother-in-law, Roger Demarest; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside Farewell Services and Inurnment 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, Parklawn Cemetery, Brookfield, Missouri. The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial contributions to Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 64508-1497.
Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
For those unable to attend the service, you are asked to pause for one minute at the time of service to remember and pray for Kathy. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
