Kathleen Scroggins Ottinger

Kathleen “Kate” Scroggins Ottinger, 65, of Kansas City, Mo., died May 10, 2015. She was born October 29, 1949, in rural Tennessee, to Janet“Nettie” Kennedy and Earl Scroggins. As an infant, Kate traveled home with her mother and siblings to Glasgow, Scotland, where Janet married Duncan McInnes and gave birth to Kate's sister, Janice. Kate, Earl, Lee and Janice were raised in the tenements of Glasgow by Duncan after the untimely death of their mother in 1967. Kate was singled out in high school for her exceptional intelligence and gift for languages. She was the first person in her family to attend university, graduating in 1971 from the University of Aberdeen (U.K.), where she met and later married American Gregg Ottinger and moved to the United States. Although the marriage did not last, their friendship did. Kate attended graduate school at the University of Kansas, where she earned master’s degrees in Russian language and Russian literature (she also spoke French, Polish and Serbo-Croatian). While a student, Kate served as “house mother” for Sellards Scholarship Hall, where she fed and counseled 50 young women. She was also a member of the field hockey team. Kate later met Herbert Hoover Dotson, Jr., and, in 1984, gave birth to their son, Russell Duncan Dotson. She was a devoted mother and always took great pride in Russell’s achievements – most notably his beautiful wife and family. Kate truly loved and adored her grandchildren, Phoenix and Maya. To them she was known fondly as K.K. Kate recently retired from the University of Kansas Medical Center. There she filled an important role in helping doctors from around the world come to Kansas City for advanced training in high-risk pregnancy and fetal care. Her dedication and strong work ethic helped Dr. Carl Weiner and his team to improve the lives of the unborn and provide hope to families. Kate always enjoyed immersing herself in other cultures and traveled to many countries including Mexico, Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Portugal, Tanzania and Thailand. She loved spending time with family and friends. She was a spirited aficionado of good music, good food and drink, and good times. She loved to read and spend time in the garden. Kate’s humor, wit, intelligence, warmth and friendship will be missed by all who knew her. Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Lee and Earl Jr. She is survived by her son Russell; daughter-in-law, CaSaundra; two grandchildren, Phoenix (5) and Maya (2), all of Grandview, her sister Janice Hamilton of Glasgow, and her nieces Pamela and Natalie of Glascow. She also leaves behind many friends and loved ones all over the world. There will be a private celebration of life in honor of Kathleen Friday May 22nd, 2015. The family plans to honor Kate's wishes and scatter her ashes on the beautiful Isle of Skye in Scotland . In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Kate’s name to the KU Gynecological and Obstetrical Foundation, 3901 Rainbow, MS 2028, Kansas City, KS 66160.

Kathleen Scroggins Ottinger

October 29, 1949 - May 10, 2015