Katherine “Kay” Delores Stratman (Lowery), a woman who lived with style, curiosity, and a love of travel, passed away peacefully, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 94 years old.
She was born May 25, 1931, at home in Springfield, to the late Paul W. Lowery and Louise (Campbell) Lowery Gray, and raised by her mother and stepfather, James Noel Gray.
Her 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, she possessed an elegance that stayed with her for life.
Kay was united in marriage to William (Bill) H. Stratman Feb. 5, 1951, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Springfield, beginning a chapter that saw the birth of five children.
She 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, as a dental assistant in Linn, as well as nurturing students as a house mother at William Woods University.
Kay 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 long-time 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.
She viewed death not as an end, but as “the next adventure; the last one and perhaps the best!” Kay leaves behind a family she cherished and a legacy of fearless living.
She was preceded in death by father, Paul; mother and stepfather, Louise and James N. Gray; father of her children, Bill H. Stratman; and companion, Harold Lepper.
Kay is survived by children, Sheila K. Stratman of Baltimore, M.D., Gregory W. Stratman and wife Laura of Vienna, Steven M. Stratman of Palm Springs, Calif., Belinda K. Reese and husband Greg of West Hartford, Conn. and Sara L. Thimmesch and husband Dan of St. Louis; sisters, Paula Pollard of Springfield and Linda Porter and husband Larry of Rogersville; grandchildren of whom she was extremely proud, Kate Pestka of Baltimore, M.D., Amanda Reichel Stratman of Vienna, Jonathan Stratman of Springfield, Andrew and Nathan Stratman of Vienna, David Becket of Kohtao, Thailand, Zachary Reese of Washington, D.C., Erin Thimmesch of St. Louis, Brian Thimmesch of Lawrence, Kan. and Brandon Thimmesch of Waxahachie, Texas; great-grandchildren, Josephine and June Pestka, Gavin Satterfield, Tyler and Brayden Reichel and Eloise and Harrison Thimmesch Schneider.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, with the Rev. Stephen Jones officiating. Interment was in 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.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Special Learning Center, 2211 Stonehill Road, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Arrangements entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com
