Ethel Irene "Midgie" Cailteux, 91, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2017, in Clyde, Kansas. Midgie was born on May 7, 1926, to James Roy and May Caroline Anderson Knox. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Kenneth Paul Cailteux, her parents, and siblings. They included her unnamed infant twin brother, Wilbur "Swede" Knox, Albert "Spec" Knox, Edna Knox, Elda Howard, and Danny Knox.
A woman ahead of her time in many respects, Midgie's adventuresome spirit and determined nature led her to complete beauty school, and establish and operate her own Beauty Shop in Clyde for many years. Her love of cookbooks and her natural talent for baking turned a hobby into a second business, making wedding cakes for countless couples in the Clyde vicinity.
In addition to a lifelong interest in photography and home movies, Midgie always embraced new technology and loved to try new things. She even acquired her first iPad at age 85. She remained active in the Sunshine Extension Homemakers Unit (EHU), United Methodist Church Circle and the Clyde Senior Citizens Center, as well as the Rural Letter Carriers Association Auxiliary, a family organization in which she served in leadership roles at both local and state levels.
Running a beauty shop and making beautiful wedding cakes did not distract Midgie from devoting time to a wonderful marriage, raising her four children in Clyde, and spending time with her grandchildren. Seemingly tireless, she also had many hobbies, including gardening, crafts and supporting concessions for area schools and athletic activities. "Grammy" especially enjoyed traveling, and she rarely missed an opportunity to visit her children and their families, especially her six beloved grandchildren, making many cross-country and overseas trips to do so.
Midgie is survived by her children Kerry (Gilda) Cailteux of Cairo, Egypt; Konrad (Christine) Cailteux of New York, NY; Kaylene (John) Curtis of New Smyrna Beach, FL; and Marlene (Gayle) Cailteux of Lenexa, KS; grandchildren Kathleen DesOrmeaux of San Antonio, TX; Michael Cailteux of Denver, CO; Lauren (Kyle) Maples of Washington, DC; Karelynn (Travis) Overfelt of Lee's Summit, MO; Sherlynn (Chris) Siok of Anchorage, AK; and Kylie Cailteux of Lee's Summit, MO. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters in-law Eldon Cailteux, Ronel (Darlyne) Cailteux and Myron (Sharon) Cailteux of Clyde, and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Midgie lived a blessed life full of energy and love for her family, friends, and community. Her spirit will be with us for the visitation on Thursday, August 17, from 1:00 to 8:00 PM with the family receiving friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Chaput Mortuary in Clyde, Kansas, and for the funeral service on Friday, August 18, at 10:00 AM, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Clyde, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clyde, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be given to the Clyde Fire Department, the Clyde Ambulance Service, and/or the Clyde Senior Citizens Center c/o Chaput Mortuary of Clyde. Online condolences may be sent to www.chaputbuoy.com.