Kathy Lee (Childers) Grgurich of Shibley’s Point, Missouri received the most important call of her life late Tuesday evening, September 13, 2016. And, as was custom in her house, she answered. It was time to go Home; Jesus wanted her in His arms. Kathy was surrounded by loving family members at the time and had been blessed to be with her family and friends for many days leading up to her death.
Kathy was the daughter of Don and Ina Carol (Rouse) Childers. She was born on December 2, in Kirksville, MO in a year that was not mentioned during birthday parties. On July 1, forty-four years ago Kathy was united in marriage to Mark A. Grgurich. From this union, her very precious two “good boys” were born. Kathy was a wonderful wife, a very loving mother/grandmother, a good mentor, and most importantly a friend to everyone she met. She was so giving of her time and talents and wanted everyone around her to have the, oh so important, “life lessons.” Kathy loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed being teased, collecting antiques, gardening, rock hunting, reading her Bible, riding motorcycles, and managing the family farm. Kathy will forever be known to others by several names including Mom, Grandma Kathy, Lee, and most affectionately the “spandex cowboy.”
Kathy was a graduate from Novinger High School and lived her entire life in the rural Novinger community. After high school Kathy was employed at Hollister Inc. for many years until she retired in 1992. After her retirement, Kathy attended Indian Hills College and obtained her degree in nursing. She worked as an R.N. for several years before her health forced her to finally slow her pace to match that of a normal person. For the last several years Kathy has devoted her life to taking care of her family. It has been with her help that her husband, children, and grandchildren have survived the many challenges faced in recent years. God and her church family were dear to Kathy’s heart. For many years she attended the St. Rose Catholic Church in Novinger, MO, and most recently the Assembly of God Church in Green City, MO.
Kathy is survived by her husband Mark; grandmother Gertrude Rouse of Novinger, MO; father Donald Childers of Novinger, MO; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Eric (Tara) Grgurich of Kirksville, MO, Clint Grgurich of Shibley’s Point; five beautiful granddaughters (Eric’s) Holly and Erica, (Clint’s) Bailey, Breanna, Bryleigh; two sisters, Christy Ann Fanning of Milan, MO and Donna Carol Kuehn of South Coffeeville, OK; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Linda Grgurich of Clinton, MO; uncle Danny (Elfie) Rouse of Independence, MO; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.
Kathy is now rejoicing in Heaven with her mother Ina Carol Childers, who preceded her in death in December 2015. She also joins her Grandfather Ivan Rouse, parents-in-law Tony and Jean Grgurich, brothers-in-law Jim Fanning and Mark Kuehn, and many other brothers and sisters in Christ.
Public visitation will be held Friday (September 16, 2016) with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis Noe Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday (September 17, 2016) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Pastor Alan Coonfield, Pastor Mike Askew, and Pastor Darrell Crooks officiating. Interment will follow the service at the Shibley’s Point Cemetery near Novinger.
Pallbearers will be Nick Grgurich, Neal Grgurich, Matt Bross, Eddie Buck, Rhett Mullins, Dennis Wilson, and Trey Gashwiler.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Kathy Lee (Childers) Grgurich may be made to Shibley's Point Cemetery or to the Assembly of God church of Green City, Missouri. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box, Kirksville, Missouri, 63501.