Kathy Nye

Kathryn Ashbaugh Nye (1925 – 2025) 

Kathryn “Kathy” Nye, 99, of Newton, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of February 7, 2025.

Kathy was born in Newton on August 9, 1925, to Lillian and Charles Ashbaugh, joining an older sister to complete the family. She attended Newton public schools followed by a year at Bethel College. She graduated from Kansas State University in Manhattan with a degree in elementary education.

Kathy grew up several blocks away from her childhood sweetheart, Arnold Nye. After Arnold completed his service in the Navy, they got hitched on September 8, 1946, This 70-year union brought life to three children, Pam, Gregory, and Chris. 

Kathy worked as a substitute teacher while raising a family and supporting Arnold in his law practice. Of her varied roles in life, without a doubt Kathy’s favorite was being “Grandma.” She treasured time with her grandchildren and keeping in touch with them as they grew older. 

Everyone who knew Kathy knew how much she and Arnold loved traveling to Mexico during Kansas winters. When she was back in Kansas, Kathy used her talented artistry in oil painting to capture memories of seascapes and sunsets. 

Kathy was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church of Newton. Even though her body was frail she patiently knew what awaited her afterwards: going to her own sort of Heaven of family and friends, and beautiful sunsets. 

Kathy is survived by daughter Pam Behymer (David) of Newton, and sons Gregory (Elizabeth Schmidt) of North Newton, and Chris (Vicki Tieszen) of Idaho. She was blessed with six grandchildren, Brock, Ashley, Shea, Rebecca, Camille, and Jacob; and nine great-grandchildren, Chavi, Pozzi, Sophia, Luca, Sawyer, Serigne, Khalifa, Khady, and Jude. She was preceded in death by her husband Arnold, and her sister Virginia “Gee” Mills. 

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to private caregivers, especially Melissa Hector, who made it possible for Kathy to live at home throughout her final days. 

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Newton on May 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM with a light lunch afterwards. Memorial gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church in care of Petersen Family Funeral Home.