Katheryn Yvonne Gregory, age 86, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, with her daughter by her side at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri, after many years of successful living with Parkinson’s Disease. Public visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7th, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Cornerstone Church in Kirksville, with a service immediately following.

The daughter of Phillip Lawson Scott and Beulah Blanche (Buck) Scott, she was born January 28, 1940, in La Plata, Missouri. She was the youngest of eight children, namely her brother, Kenneth M. Scott, her sisters, Nadine Pinkston, Faye Newman, Frances Helton, and Neva Buckallew, and her half-siblings, Letha Miller and La Hoyt Scott. Katheryn grew up in Gibbs, Missouri, and graduated from Brashear High School in 1958.

On October 18, 1958, in Gibbs, Missouri, Katheryn married Donald (‘Donnie”) L. Gregory of Kirksville, who proceeded her in death by 25 days. They were married for over 67 years. They enjoyed family get togethers and travel, especially their many trips to Kansas City to visit their daughter and grandson. Donnie and Katheryn owned various rental properties around Kirksville. They were active in their communities and churches, being proud and humbled to play a part in helping establish Cornerstone Church in Kirksville.

While Donnie was the risk taker during their partnership, Katheryn was the constant, working for the State of Missouri Division of Mental Health – Kirksville Regional Center for most of her career. After retiring at age 62, she continued to work part-time at the Regional Center. Katheryn’s co-workers were like family and those friendships have lasted decades. She enjoyed attending the Regional Center retiree’s luncheons. Katheryn was always encouraging those around her to apply for jobs with the State or pursue other opportunities.

Katheryn enjoyed and was known for her gardening, sewing, and a variety of craft endeavors. She loved a good garage sale and could outwalk (both in speed and ground covered) any Olympic speed walker in a mall during sale season. She was a devoted sister, aunt, neighbor, friend, wife, mother and grandmother. She was never one to be deterred by a limitation and was a fierce advocate for herself and others.

Katheryn is survived by her daughter, Lori Ann Gregory of Overland Park, Kansas; one grandson, Dylan Scott Gregory (Katheryn’s greatest joy), and his wife Anna, of Olathe, Kansas, and one great granddaughter, Avery Rose Gregory, who delighted her Grand Gigi beyond measure. She is also survived by a great number of beloved nieces and nephews.

Katheryn and Donnie were preceded in death by an infant daughter, Vicky Lynn Gregory. Katheryn was predeceased by her parents, and like Donnie, was the last of her siblings to pass on. They are all celebrating being together again around a large dinner table, much like they did on holidays and on Sundays in Gibbs after church.

This last year Katheryn and Donnie were blessed to have a team of caregivers who helped them live independently and die peacefully and with dignity. Those caregivers - Michele, Akiba, Hans, Richard, Araina, and Molly - became the dearest of friends and extended family.

Pallbearers will be Katheryn’s grandson, Dylan Gregory, nephews Michael Newman and Terry Newman, and dear friend, co-worker and fellow football enthusiast, Bill Smith.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026 with one hour of visitation held before the service in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Jeremy Broach officiating. Interment will follow at Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cornerstone Church of Kirksville or Kansas City Hospice House and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.