Obituary for Cathy S. McGivern
It is with great sadness that the family of Cathy McGivern, 67, of De Soto, Kansas, announce her passing on January 21, 2025, surrounded by her "favorite people in the world," husband Michael Ward, and sons Bart (Tia) and Matt, and her only grandchild, Thomas.
Cathy was born in Kansas City, Kansas on June 15, 1957, and graduated in 1975 from JC Harmon High School, and to her great surprise she fell in love and married her middle school crush, Tom McGivern (5 years her senior) in 1977, and relocated to De Soto, Kansas in 1979, where they raised their two sons until Tom's death in 2009. Cathy had a very kind heart and had endless amounts of love to give. She soon fell in love with her current husband, Michael Ward. The childhood friends enjoyed lake visits, and overnight sleepovers with their grandson Thomas, and listening to music.
Cathy was a life-long VFW auxiliary member and had a 30-year career in the banking industry. She faithfully contributed to the De Soto Food Pantry, animal shelters, and to the school lunch program to help families with meals.
Cathy enjoyed Bunko nights with her friends, game nights with her family, cooking and baking, especially with her grandson, and family gatherings. She cared very deeply for her two sons and thrived on their accomplishments. She was a very proud Gigi to her only grandchild, Thomas. Their bond was unbreakable. The two loved cooking pizzas, listening and dancing to music, and playing Yahtzee. She loved to teach life-lessons to Thomas and was a proud sponsor to his athletic teams. "There's nothing like being a grandma, I don't know how to explain it," Cathy used to say.
She truly believed in the power of music, listening to it, singing it, dancing to it, and appreciating the art of it and how it made you feel. She spread that deep love to her sons, husband, grandson, and daughter-in-law. Cathy even taught Thomas how to snap to the beat of music as a toddler.
Cathy is preceded in death by her first husband, Tom McGivern, mother Jeri Rebar, Father Andy Rebar Jr., and many beloved pets. She is survived by her husband Michael Ward, sons Bart McGivern (Tia), Matt McGivern, sisters Julie Quijas (Richard), Cindy DeSeure (Joe), brothers Andy Rebar III (Donna), Charlie Elliot, and her only grandchild Thomas.
Cathy will truly be missed by her family, friends, and the community. Her helping intentions were always welcomed, and her love was received by all. Cathy will continue to 'DANCE TO THE BEAT OF HER OWN DRUM' as she peacefully rests. Her legacy is carved in many hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the De Soto Food Pantry, 32905 W. 84th Street, De Soto, KS, 66018. Memorial Services will be held at the De Soto VFW and on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 1:00pm-4:00pm.
To plant a tree in memory of Cathy S. McGivern, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Celebration of Life
Saturday
1
Mar
1:00 PM
- 4:00 PM
De Soto V.F.W. Post 6654
33725 W. 84th Street
P.O. Box 54
DE SOTO, KS 66018
Private graveside De Soto Cemetery, De Soto KS
Memorial Contribution
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