Kathy Irene Rains, 73, of Kirksville, MO, passed away on December 20, 2024, at Boone Health Hospital in Columbia, MO.

Kathy was born on May 11, 1951, in Mount Ayr, IA, to William “Billy” Duffield and Daisy Duffield (Davis). She grew up in Mount Ayr, where she developed her strong work ethic and love for community. Kathy graduated from Mount Ayr Community High School in 1969. She later lived in Leon, IA, Decatur, IA, Richmond, MO, and Kirksville, MO.

Kathy began her career as a caretaker and cook at the Decatur County Home before spending 36 years with O’Bryan Brothers in Leon. She also served as a custodian at Central Decatur High School for many years. Kathy proudly earned an associate degree in accounting from Southwestern Community College (SWCC) in May 2010. In June of 1971, Kathy married Clyde “Hank” Rains, with whom she shared a life of love and adopted their son, Raymond, in September 1979. After Hank’s passing in 2009, Kathy found companionship and joy in her engagement to Roy Roper in Richmond until his passing in 2016. On August 31, 2019, Kathy started a new chapter by marrying Roger Youngman and enjoyed a happy and fulfilling marriage until her passing.

Kathy’s faith was central to her life. As a devoted member of her local church, she found purpose and fulfillment in her relationship with God and her service to others. She loved reading, singing, embroidering, and observing wildlife. Her greatest joy came from connecting with people and brightening their days with her kindness and warm smile.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, her first husband Hank Rains, and fiancé Roy Roper.

She is survived by her husband Roger Youngman, son Raymond (Kellie) Rains, stepchildren Tim (Theresa) Dowd, Tina Floyd, and Ryan (Tiffany) Youngman; grandchildren Jacob (Rosa) Rains, Jada Rains, Jillian Rains, Joshua Rains, Josie Rains, Juliana Rains, Dani (Keith) Bayless, Libby Dowd, Robby Dowd, and 10 other grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sisters Pam (Barry) Jackson and LaDonna (Doug) Prime; sisters-in-law Lou Bryant and Fuchsia (Dale) Smith; many nieces and nephews, along with countless relatives and many friends along the way.

Kathy's life was marked by faith, love, and a deep commitment to serving others. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2025 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Pastor Norman Keller presiding.