Kathlyn K. Sauer, affectionately known as Momma Kay, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 13, 2025, at the age of 78.

Born on October 8, 1946, in Hillsboro, Kansas, Kay was the beloved daughter of Robert and Pauline Pester.

A longtime resident of Warrensburg, Missouri, Kay was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and for many years she served as the Baptismal Preparation Coordinator-a role that suited her perfectly, given her deep love for children and her gift for welcoming families with warmth and encouragement. Her warmth and hospitality were felt not just by her church family, but by everyone she met.

Kay dedicated several years of her life to in-home daycare, where she lovingly cared for countless children as if they were her own. Her home was a place of laughter, learning, and love.

She will be fondly remembered for her passion for reading, her deep appreciation of musicals and history, and most of all, for the joy she found in spending time with her children and grandchildren. Whether curled up with a good book, singing along to a favorite show tune, or sharing stories from the past, Kay had a way of making every moment meaningful.

Kay was preceded in death by her father, Robert Pester, husband, Michael Sauer, and her sister Dolora Wilson.

Kay is survived by her loving mother, Pauline Pester of Warrensburg, Missouri; her brother, Gene Pester of Jacksonville, Florida; daughters Lilly Smith, Melissa Swanson, and Sarah Sauer, all of Warrensburg; sons Aaron Sauer of Springfield, Missouri, Nathan Sauer of Richmond, Virginia, and Brian Sauer of Chicago, Illinois. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg. A graveside service will follow at Warrensburg Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Arbors at Harmony Gardens for their loving care, compassion, and support during Kay's final years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Kay's memory, to help support research and provide care for those affected by this disease.

She was, and always will be, our Momma Kay - deeply loved, profoundly missed, and never forgotten.