Katherine Delores Stratman

Katherine “Kay” Delores Stratman (Lowery), a woman who lived with style, curiosity, and a love of travel, passed away peacefully, Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 94 years old.

Born at home in Springfield, MO to Paul W. Lowery and Louise (Campbell) Lowery Gray, and raised by her mother and stepfather, James Noel Gray, Kay’s life was defined by a refusal to stay still and a hunger for the “next adventure.”

After graduating high School, Kay took her talents to Chicago, where she attended the Patricia Stephens School of Modeling.  Whether she was modeling for Bobbie Brooks or working at Marshall Fields department store, Kay possessed an elegance that stayed with her for life.  On February 5, 1951, she married William (Bill) H. Stratman at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Springfield, MO, beginning a chapter that saw the birth of five children.

Kay was never one to be pigeonholed.  Her career was a colorful mosaic: jobs included working as a Social Service Aid at Head Start, on the factory floor at Chesebrough-Ponds, a dental assistant in Linn, Mo, as well as nurturing students as a house mother at William Woods University.  She found a perfect role later in life as a tour guide and docent at the Missouri State Capitol, where her poise and storytelling could shine.

Perhaps her favorite “fun fact” was her status as a card-carrying member of the Screen Actors Guild.  Kay appeared in a Crest toothpaste commercial that aired annually during The Wizard of Oz during the 1960s.  She never tired of the surprise royalty checks that periodically arrived in the mail—a small, recurring reminder of her brush with fame.

In her later years, Kay shared a life of exploration with her longtime companion, Harold Lepper.  Together, they trekked across 32 countries and enjoyed seven cruises.  When she wasn’t globetrotting, Kay was a formidable Scrabble player, a lover of bingo, a voracious reader, and a devotee of the local church picnic.

Kay viewed death not as an end, but as “the next adventure; the last one and perhaps the best!”  She leaves behind a family she cherished and a legacy of fearless living.

Kay was preceded in death by her father, Paul; her mother and stepfather, Louise and James N. Gray; the father of her children, Bill H. Stratman; and her companion, Harold Lepper.

She is survived by her five children: Sheila K. Stratman of Baltimore, MD., Gregory W. (Laura) Stratman of Vienna, Mo, Steven M. Stratman of Palm Springs, CA, Belinda K. (Greg) Reese of West Hartford, CT, and Sara L. (Dan) Thimmesch of St. Louis, MO; her sisters, Paula Pollard of Springfield MO, and Linda (Larry) Porter, of Rogersville, MO.  She was extremely proud of her 10 grandchildren: Kate Pestka (Baltimore, MD), Amanda Reichel Stratman (Vienna, MO), Jonathan Stratman (Springfield, MO), Andrew Stratman (Vienna, MO), Nathan Stratman (Vienna, MO), David Becket (Kohtao, Thailand), Zachary Reese (Washington, DC), Erin Thimmesch (St. Louis, MO), Brian Thimmesch (Lawrence, KS), and Brandon Thimmesch (Waxahachie, TX).  In addition, she had 7 great-grandchildren: Josephine and June Pestka, Gavin Satterfield, Tyler and Brayden Reichel, and Eloise and Harrison Thimmesch Schneider.

Visitation will be held in Jefferson City at the Cathedral of St. Joseph on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 9:00 am – 11:00 am (2305 West Main Street).  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at the Cathedral at 11 am with the Rev. Stephen Jones officiating.  Burial will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Primrose Retirement Community for their exceptional care of Kay and to Central Missouri Hospice for their support and guidance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kay’s name to the Special Learning Center (2211 Stonehill Road, Jefferson City, MO 65101).

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.    trimblefunerals.com