Mary Catherine Kage

The Kage family is saddened to announce the passing of their beloved mother, Mary Catherine Kage, a resident of Cuba, MO. She passed away peacefully in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 28 th, 2024, at the age of 86. 

She was born November 10 th, 1937, in St. Louis, MO to Florian and Elsie Buchheit (Trost). Mary attended Notre Dame High School in St. Louis, MO.

Mary Buchheit (age 16) and Glenn H. Kage (age 18) were married on February 13, 1954, at St. Martin of Tours in Lemay, MO. Together they had eight children: A daughter who died in infancy, Cindy, and seven living children, Vicky, Glenn Jr, Terri, Tina, Tracy, Jay, and Kelli. Mary was a caring and giving person who always put her loved ones first. Her home was always open and everyone that stepped through her door became family. She always gave with an open heart and never met a stranger.

Mary’s faith played an important role in her life. She was a devout Catholic, and longtime parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church where she was an active member of the Altar Society. She shared this faith with her family and friends, bringing great comfort to anyone in need. Mary enjoyed her Saturday morning Bible studies with her daughters and anyone else who could join. She would end study with the most eloquent prayers, leaving any who witnessed, closer to God; Thanking him for her family, and asking him to wrap her in His loving arms, and to give her the strength and the knowledge to be a better person and to make her more worthy of His Mercy and Love.

Throughout her life, Mary held various occupations including waitress, phone operator, realtor, and working for the Sullivan School District Food Service where she made life-long friends and loved feeding and brightening the day of many children. Some of her most joyous times of employment were when she owned the Karamel Korn Shop in the Mall in Sikeston, MO. She developed many delicious recipes for popcorn, fudge, candies, cakes, and cookies that she took joy in passing down to her daughters, granddaughters, and grandsons. Friends and family loved coming over during Christmastime and baking cookies to share with their families. In her free time, Mary enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, and teaching her many grandchildren and great children her favorite games.

While hard work was instrumental in providing for her family, her most important endeavor in life was raising her seven children, and instilling in them that same work ethic, and to love and serve others. Her love of travel and adventure led her and Glenn later in life to become campground hosts at different State and National Parks around the United States. They were always excited to be “On the Road Again.” Anywhere her and Glenn went, they turned it into an adventure. Friends and family lovingly referred to her as Lucy from “I Love Lucy” for her goofy, witty jokes that she always had at the ready. Mary and Glenn instilled in their family the importance and need for the unconditional love of everyone.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Florian and Elsie Buchheit; her husband Glenn H. Kage Sr.; daughter Cindy Kage; sister Jo Dietz and husband Harry Dietz; brother Fred Buchheit and wife Marlene; Sister Alma Burford; sister-in-law Dawn Lauer and husband Rich; granddaughter Cori Anne Kage; and great-granddaughter Ashlyn Rae Politte.

She leaves behind seven children to cherish her memory and continue her legacy: Glenn H. Jr. (Mary) Kage of Sullivan; Jay (Kate) Kage of Bland; Vicky (Cris) Kassing of Ocala, Florida; Terri Politte of Sullivan; Tina (Don) McGinnis of Cuba; Tracy (Bill) Kackley of Bourbon; and Kelli (Rusty) Rapp of Bourbon. Mary is also survived by her sister Delores (Robert) Unterreiner of Jackson; brother-in-law Mel (Ann) Warden of Imperial; sister-in-law Barb Beaston of Swansea, Illinois; twenty-eight grandchildren plus spouses, fifty-two great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends.

Mary Catherine Kage will be remembered for her kindness, love for her family and her unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In keeping with her wishes, Mary Will be cremated. 

Memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church 405 W. School St. Cuba, Missouri.

Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 3, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Tony Onyeihe and Rev. James Finder as the concelebrants. 

If desired memorials would be appreciated to St. Jude Childrens Hospital or to Holy Cross Catholic Church.

The Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba is honored to be serving the family of Mary Catherine Kage.