Pauline A. Vitt

Pauline A. Vitt, 95, of St. Paul, passed away at 4:45 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Prairie Mission Retirement Village in St. Paul.

Pauline Agnes Hammerbacher was born on October 14, 1930, to Anthony “Doan” and Clara Agnes (Westhoff) Hammerbacher in rural Crawford County, Kansas. She grew up and attended school in the Girard area, proudly graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Pittsburg in 1948.

On October 13, 1953, Pauline and Walter C. Vitt were united in marriage at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Girard. They lived on a farm near St. Paul for many years.

Pauline’s true calling in life was to be a mother. She made a loving home for her own children and always had a welcoming home to family and friends. While she enjoyed many years as a homemaker, Pauline also worked as a dental assistant in Girard for a time and as the secretary for the St. Paul schools for 14 years. She was fondly remembered as “The golden-haired lady who ran the school.”

A devout Catholic, Pauline was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul, where she played the organ from 1953 to 2011.

Known as the “coupon lady,” Pauline collected over 3 million Betty Crocker coupons from all over the United States to purchase two vans and playground equipment for Lakemary Center in Paola. When Pauline dedicated herself to a cause, she pursued it with determination and purpose.

Pauline was a beloved member of the Prairie Mission Retirement Village community for 12 years. The family appreciates the compassionate and loving care of the Prairie Mission staff.

Pauline will be remembered for her smile, friendliness, and generosity. She leaves a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Survivors include:

Her nine children – Roberta Leon (John) of Leavenworth, Kansas

Christine Vitt of Columbia, Missouri

Leo Vitt of Sidney, Nebraska

Theresa Vitt of Leavenworth, Kansas

Marilyn Lappin (Brian) of Prairie Village, Kansas

Martin Vitt (Cathy) of Fontana, Kansas

Marvin Kavanagh of St. Paul, Kansas

Francis Vitt (Luz Elena) of Erie, Colorado

Dennis Vitt (Lisa) of St. Paul, Kansas

17 grandchildren

18 great-grandchildren

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Vitt, on May 4, 2009; three brothers, Frank Kavanagh, Tom Kavanagh, and Dennis Kavanagh; and daughter-in-law, Becky Vitt.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 17, 2026, at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in St. Paul. The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, at St. Francis Catholic Church, with the family receiving friends after the rosary.

Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Catholic Church or Prairie Mission Retirement Village. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.