Kathleen Rose (Griffin) Bins, 88, of Overland Park, KS, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on August 26, 2026.
Born on November 12, 1937, in Milwaukee, WI, Kathleen was raised in St. Paul, MN, alongside her two older brothers, Pat and Tom. After losing her father at the age of three, she was lovingly raised by her remarkable and resilient mother. Growing up in a close-knit family, Kathleen learned the values of independence, perseverance, and devotion to family—qualities that defined her life and touched everyone who knew her.
Kathleen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, and golf partner.
Kathleen shared 66 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, John. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and love, raising four children: Mary Bins-Wells; Mike (Lynn); Patrick; and Bill (Barb).
She was a cherished grandmother to eleven grandchildren: Megan (Keith) Hammerschmidt, Kathleen (Nick) Petrakos, Emily (Logan) Wells, Luke (Darby) Wells, Griffin (Mary Duet) Bins, Henry (Emma) Bins, Stephen Bins, Greta Bins, Matt (Paulette) Bins, Will (Tayla) Bins, and Seth (Ella) Bins. She was a devoted great-grandmother to Claire, Emma, and Noah Hammerschmidt.
She had tremendous faith and established religion as a cornerstone to the family. Kathleen maintained her Adoration devotion long after she was unable to drive and frequently hosted rosaries with her grandchildren
Kathleen's ability to advocate, persevere, and be just plain ornery served her well when she and John were blessed with their son, Patrick. Alongside other parents, she became a pioneer in advocating for the rights of children born with unique and special challenges at a time when opportunities and services were very limited. The battles they fought and the programs they helped establish went on to benefit generations of children and families who followed.
Throughout her life, Kathleen was also a devoted caregiver. She worked as a nurse, touching the lives of countless people with her compassion and dedication to others.
Kathleen was an Irish lass at heart, she was known for her fierce spirit, stubbornness, and spunky nature. Friends and family will remember her as a beautiful and glamorous woman—affectionately known as “Glam-ma”—who brought joy and laughter wherever she went.
Kathleen will be deeply missed, but the love, warmth, and strength she shared with her family and friends will live on in the generations she leaves behind.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Sister Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick, and especially Sister Fabiola, for their ministry and compassionate care. Their dedicated overnight ministry allowed Kathleen to remain at home, surrounded by the people she loved. The family is also deeply grateful to ASG Hospice for their care, compassion, and support. Their assistance helped make Kathleen's final transition peaceful and allowed her family to honor her wish to remain at home.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Mary Jane (Maloney); her brothers, Pat and Tom; and her son, Patrick.
Her favorite blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Services for Kathleen
A Rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2026, at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, Kansas, with visitation following from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, KS 66213.
Interment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Lenexa, KS.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sister Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick, an organization that has served the Kansas City community for more than a century, regardless of religious affiliation.
Sister Servants of Mary – Donations