Kathleen "Kathy" Welch Porter

Kathleen (Kathy) Welch Porter passed away peacefully Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the age of 69.

She was born on January 7, 1956, in Great Bend, Kansas, to James Arthur and Olga Louise Pomrenke Welch. Her three older brothers were mostly protective and loving, but she often laughed that all of the "good" farm and home chores seemed to trickle down to her. Along with many other skills, she learned to cook, clean, sew, garden, and raise 200 chickens each year.

Kathy graduated from Great Bend High School as a National Merit Scholar and went on to earn degrees from the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas School of Law. During her undergraduate years, she lived in Douthart Scholarship Hall, where she formed many lifelong friendships. After graduating with a degree in Social Work, she was hired as the first social worker in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. While living in Wichita, she met Bruce Porter, who would become her loving husband of nearly 40 years. Several years into her social work career, she decided to continue her education and to become an attorney.

Following law school, she served as a research attorney for the Kansas Court of Appeals and as a senior fiscal analyst for the Kansas Legislative Research Department. After some years, she was asked to return to the court system, where she worked for the Kansas Supreme Court as the state's Assistant Judicial Administrator, performing management and legislative duties for the statewide district and appellate court system. Throughout her career, she was known for her thoughtful professional advice, exceptional writing skills, and the eloquent delivery of her speeches.

Even with the demands of a rigorous career, Kathy always made time for what mattered most--her family. She was the most loving and supportive mother for her children, Allyson and Mitchell, always willing to drop everything at a moment’s notice if they needed her. She rarely missed a school party or field trip and became an expert at working concession stands to raise funds for sports, clubs, and class activities. Over the years, Kathy baked thousands of her famous cookies, assembled numerous gift bags, and threw the most memorable parties. Holidays were especially magical because of her, and one of her greatest joys was hosting extended family for festive meals.

Kathy and her family shared a deep love of travel, especially road trips, and they took advantage of a myriad of opportunities, creating countless cherished memories. Following their early retirements in 2015, Kathy and Bruce continued their travels, including numerous visits to state and national parks, music festivals, and exploring many other points of interest. Kathy's 2020 cancer diagnosis, the required treatment regimens, and the many side effects and complications slowed down but never stopped her from pursuing the things she loved most. Her later years were filled with laughter, playing, and enjoying small adventures with the lights of her life--her granddaughters, Perri and Porter. As devoted as she was as a mother, Kathy somehow managed to be an even more extraordinary “grandmama.”

She is survived by her husband, Bruce; her daughter, Allyson (Stetson) Haverkamp, of Leawood; her son, Mitchell, of Mission; her granddaughters, Perri and Porter, of Leawood; and her brothers, Jim (Shirley) Welch, of Great Bend; David (Tonya) Welch, of Great Bend; and Paul Welch (Tom Taylor, deceased), of Pueblo West, CO. Several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews were cherished and also survive.

Kathy’s legacy lives on in her family and the many lives she has touched through both her career and her generous spirit.

A Celebration of Life honoring Kathy will be held July 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and Venue, 635 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66606. Kathy was both a trusted colleague and a close friend of the late Chief Justice Kay McFarland. A time of remembrance will open the reception, with guests welcomed until 4:00 PM. Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel in Topeka, is assisting the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASA of Shawnee County, 501 SE Jefferson, Suite 2002, Topeka, KS 66607 or to Shawnee County Fire District No 4, 315 SW Valencia Road, Topeka, Kansas 66615.

To share a memory of Kathleen or leave a special message for her family, visit the guestbook below.