Katherine Glenn Kent

Katherine ("Kay") Glenn Kent, 80, of Topeka, passed away Monday, February 28, 2022.

She was born March 4, 1941, in Columbia, South Carolina, the daughter of Marion and Katherine (Cain) Glenn. A passion for supporting families and children drew her to the field of psychology in her early years. After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina, she completed a master's degree in social work at Columbia University on a full scholarship. Her time in New York City during the 1960's gave her a new perspective on issues of social and racial justice and intensified her commitment to helping all people reach their potential.

A postgraduate practicum at the Menninger Foundation led Kay to Topeka in 1965, where she met Arnold ("Spud") Kent, her husband of 52 years. He survives in Topeka. She took great joy and pride in her family: daughter Julia Kent (Mark Richardson); Parkin Kent (Irene Cedillo); grandchildren, Victoria Kent and Davis and Daniel Richardson; godchildren Khadijah Guy, Amy and Ryan Letulle, Max and Sam Morrow; and extended family across the country. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Elizabeth Thomas.

Friends and family remember Kay for her special combination of intellectual curiosity, insight into human problems, and sensitivity to others' needs. These qualities made her a respected colleague and mentor in the mental health community and the kind of friend that everyone wanted to talk to on a hard day. Kay was always willing to take a late-night phone call from someone in need. After working at the Menninger Foundation until the early 1980's, she operated a private therapy practice in Topeka for nearly 40 years.

In her free time, Kay set up programs for low-income kids and advocated for public policies and programs that supported children in the Kansas foster care system. She understood how public policies directly affect children and stood up for people who needed someone on their side.

Kay was also open to adventure—especially when it deepened her connections to others. She was often willing to leave her comfort zone to better understand, and appreciate, her friends and loved ones. Kay learned about skateboarding, took catamaran rides, visited countries where the State Department discouraged travel, and read dense literary theory. She believed that loving others meant honoring and embracing the things most important to them.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66604. If you would like to receive information about the service, please email family members at kaykentmemorial@gmail.com.

Katherine's services will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.

In lieu of flowers, Kay's family requests that you honor her memory with acts of love, generosity, and/or financial contributions that support children and families in need.

Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions in Topeka is assisting the family. To leave a special message for Kay's family, please visit the guestbook below.