Kathryn Leah Orahood

Kathryn “Kathy” Leah Orahood, age 66, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on September 2, 2025, at her home.

Kathy was born on August 13, 1959, in Topeka, Kansas, to Gene Conrad Allen and Mary Ellen (Meyers) Allen.

In 1987, Kathy and her two sons, William Lee Lemmons and R.D. Lemmons, moved to Lamar, where her parents lived. She worked for a short time at her mother’s business, Robbie’s Bar, before meeting and marrying Max E. Orahood. Soon after, Kathy began working in the meat department at Lamar Super Market.

A few months later, Max and Kathy purchased land from Max’s uncle on Grand Street in Lamar and built their home there. Several years later, Kathy shared her dream of becoming a radiology technician. Though told it might be too difficult, she was determined. She worked mornings at the supermarket and drove to Joplin in the afternoons for her college courses. Kathy studied diligently, often quizzing Max during football games, much to his amusement. With perseverance, she completed her program with high marks and began a long and fulfilling career at St. John’s Hospital in Joplin. After a tornado destroyed the hospital, Kathy continued her work at the newly built Mercy Hospital until her retirement.

Kathy enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially in her backyard pool, where she loved reading and gathering with family while Max grilled hamburgers. In retirement, despite facing serious health challenges, including neuropathy that confined her to a wheelchair for more than two years, Kathy remained positive and strong. She dearly loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and they each knew the depth of her love.

Survivors include her husband, Max; four sons, William Lemmons of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, R.D. Lemmons of Lamar, Missouri, Mitch (Jennifer) Orahood of Arlington, Texas, and Tom Orahood of Lamar, Missouri; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; one sister, Lisa McDaniels of San Antonio, Texas; and one brother, Kenneth Allen of Carl Junction, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Daniel Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Lamar, Missouri.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com