Mary “Kathy” Amer Knaus

Mary "Kathy" Amer Knaus, 63, Kansas City, MO will be at 2 p.m. Friday April 27th, at Larkin & Garcia Funeral Care. Private Burial will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Mrs. Knaus died April 18th, 2018, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. She was born June 18th, 1954, in Kansas City, MO the daughter of James Everett Knaus and Mary Frieda Morris. Mrs. Knaus graduated from ****** High School in **** After graduating from cosmetology school in1988, she worked as a hair stylist and nail tech. As her career and skills began to grow she became an educator for a top nail product manufacturer in the world. She continued her work in the salon alongside education and sales for the corporate company until she went full time with OPI as an account executive. She was an original trainer and helped develop the training program for new educators to be hired. She also set the standard for what was expected from educators doing demonstrations at trade shows and glasses. She was considered a master in her craft and a truly valuable presence in the industry. After she left OPI she became the director of cosmetology at KCKCC and single handedly developed their now thriving nail technology department and completely turned the whole cosmetology department around to a very successful business. She lived teaching and helping others improve their lives for them and their families. She was an inspiration to many of her students and was an incredible mentor. After she retired from the school she devoted herself to her family and husband Joe until his passing. Then she put all her energy into her children, her grandchildren and her family and friends. She loved to cook and listen to music. She liked Chiefs football and could argue stats and play all's with the best of them. Survivors include Daughter, Angie Maria Knaus, KCK, Son, James Joseph Knaus, ***, Mother, Mary Frieda Morris,***, Sister, Anita Huston, KCMO, Brother James Michael Amer, ***, and two grandchildren, Sam and Joseph Knaus. She is preceded in death by her Husband Joseph Knaus, and Father James Evertt Amer. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or Susan G. Komen Foundation sent in care of the mortuary. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday April 27th, 2018 at Larkin & Garcia Funeral Care. For more information please contact the Funeral Home.