Kathleen Buffington

Kathleen Rae Buffington, 76, of Lawrence, Kan., passed away Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Kathy was born July 14, 1948, in Deadwood, S.D., the daughter of Lowell and Beatrice (Karinen) Treloar. On Aug. 3, 1965, she married the love of her life, Gary Buffington, in Hot Springs, S.D.
Kathy dedicated her life to her family and her faith in God. She was the heart of her family, steadfast in keeping everyone together and cared for. She poured her love into her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her home was always a place of warmth, laughter and acceptance.
Kathy brought positive energy into every room she entered — her smile, kindness and sense of humor lifted the spirits of everyone around her. She always had time to listen, to offer words of encouragement, and to make each person feel valued. She treated everyone with respect and grace, whether family, friend or stranger, and she left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her love for others was unconditional, freely given and felt by all who were blessed to know her.
Kathy worked in various positions throughout her life and achieved an Associates Degree in Business. Kathy was Gary’s Office Manager for their successful expert witness business for over 20 years.
She is survived by her children, Katherine Ives (Allan Truskauskas), Lowell Buffington, and Gary Buffington Jr. (Jon Neely); her brother, Michael Treloar and sister-in-law, Jean; her grandchildren, Vanessa Eiker (James), Audrey Caro Ives (Chris), Gage Buffington (Caroline) and Benjamin Buffington (Victoria Fast); and her great-grandchildren, Nolan Eiker, Makenna Eiker, Raegan Eiker, Lana Caro, Landon Caro, Lucas Caro, Ezra Couch and Elliot Couch.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lowell and Beatrice Treloar; and her son, James Lowell Buffington.
A graveside service for Gary and Kathy will be held at the Custer Cemetery Sept. 19 at 11:30 a.m.
Memorial contributions in Kathy’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Humane Society of the Black Hills.