Kathleen Harless Kaufman

Kathleen Harless Kaufman, 97, passed away after a long and well-lived life.  Kathleen was born to Denver and Katie Gleason Harless in Berwick, Louisiana.  As a child she enjoyed spending time with her six siblings. After attending Lake Charles High School, she later graduated from Jennings High School, and went on to attend Soule’ Business College in New Orleans.

Kathleen met her husband, Floyd Ralph Kaufman at a USO dance in New Orleans, where she lied about her age to enter the event.  They married after he returned from World War II while she worked at Gulf National Bank.  Soon after, they had two children, John Denver Kaufman and Joan Elizabeth (Beth) Kaufman. 

She was affectionately known as “KittyKat” to those closest to her.  In addition to being a loving wife, mother and grandmother, Kathleen also loved chocolate, crossword puzzles, raising plants, and reading.  She showed love to those around her by baking brownies, cookies or pizzelles.  Throughout her life, she held an unwavering faith in God and was a founding member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.  Her smile and spirit brought warmth and joy to everyone she met. 

Kathleen joins her husband, Floyd, son, Denver, her parents, and siblings Betty and Denver, Jr. in Heaven.  She is survived by her daughter, Joan “Beth” Fraser, granddaughters Hensley Hayek (Husband Michael Hayek) and Marissa Stutes (Husband Russell Stutes, III), and great grandchildren Eli, Dean, and Grant Hayek.   She is also survived by her sisters Violet Threatt, Joan Gill, and Patricia Miller, her brother Gerald Harless, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 715 Kirkman Street, in Lake Charles.  Service to follow at 1:00 PM.  Internment immediately following at Highland Memory Gardens located at 6326 Common Street in Lake Charles, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.