Kathryn Mary Abernathy

kathryn abernathy

December 9, 1963 ~ December 20, 2024

Born in: Jefferson City, Missouri
Resided in: Jefferson City, Missouri

Kathryn Mary Abernathy, 61, of Jefferson City, passed away Friday, December 20, 2024, at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

She was born December 9, 1963, in Jefferson City, the daughter of the late Jack and Jeanette (Oligschlaeger) Branch.

Kathy was a 1982 graduate of Helias High School. She attended Benedictine College for three years and later received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University.

She was united in marriage on September 21, 1985, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jefferson City to Robert William Abernathy, who survives at the home. Kathy and Rob shared a deep love of travel, especially their adventures to Scotland, which she cherished dearly.

Kathy served the Jefferson City community as a police dispatcher for over 26 years. Following retirement, she worked for Stockman Feed and with St. Peter Parish School in the cafeteria.

A member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Kathy participated in two volleyball leagues and enjoyed working in her yard. She was always on the move and couldn’t sit still, constantly working on something or finding ways to make things better. Always adventurous, she gave back to her community in unique ways, such as participating in polar plunges and rappelling down buildings for charity.

Above all, Kathy loved her family. She absolutely adored her children and grandchildren, delighting in every moment spent with them. Known for her thoughtfulness, Kathy always had that one thing you didn’t realize you needed, showing her constant care for others.

Survivors include her husband, Rob Abernathy, Jefferson City; three children, Kayleigh (Brian) Schaefer, Jefferson City; Maggie (Chad) Shank, St. Louis; Turner (Katie) Abernathy, Jefferson City; six grandchildren, Killian Schaefer, Finn Schaefer, Reed Shank, Sutton Shank, Teigan Abernathy, Bowynn Abernathy; and five siblings, Ann (Mark) Rackers, St. Louis; Jim (Julie) Branch, Jefferson City; Mary (Mike) Luetkemeyer, Jefferson City; Jane (John) Kohler, St. Louis; and Julie (Jerry) Keithline, Kansas City.

Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, December 30th, at St. Peter Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Robert A. Kurwicki, VG officiating.

Burial will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Jefferson City Police Foundation or to Helias Foundation.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com

Services

Visitation: Sunday, December 29, 2024 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Trimble Funeral Homes
3210 North Ten Mile Drive
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109


Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, December 30, 2024 10:00 am

St. Peter Catholic Church
216 Broadway
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101


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  1. Turner & Katie, we are so heartbroken to learn of your loss. We will be praying for your whole family during this difficult time. We are just steps away if you need anything. Harold & Phyllis

  2. Rob & Family, we are heartbroken to hear of your loss. Please call on us if we can do anything for you in the weeks and months ahead.

  3. We have so many fun memories of Kathy and the whole family!! She will be greatly missed. We have lost loved one around the holidays, it is never easy, never the same but it does get easier as time goes on. The sadness gets replaced by the great memories! Keep those stories flowing and share them every chance you get!!! Love, hugs and prayers. Pat and Jeannine Schaefer

  4. It’s been a long time since I worked with Kathy at the PD, but I still have fond memories of our time working together and I’m very sad to hear this news. My condolences to her family.

  5. I simply loved this girl! She was the girl that was so easy to talk to. She was just herself.
    I can’t imagine the thousands of people she helped in her career. It was a much better world with her in it. Rob and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. 🪽🙏🪽

  6. Rob and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Kathy was a wonderful person and always had a smile on her face. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

  7. Rob, Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Kathy was a delightful person and so special to Whitney & Matt and their girls. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  8. Rob and family. You have my deepest sympathy. We had not been in touch for awhile but remember the kindness and sweetness of Kathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers

  9. Kayleigh & Brian,
    Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Kathy was a beautiful lady, inside and out. She always had a smile and a kind word.
    Sending love and prayers at this difficult time.

  10. Dear All,

    I am so sorry for your great loss. Kathy was simply one of the best of us. She was always sweet, sincere, true to herself and others; she was simply a beautiful person. You all are in my prayers and I am heartbroken for you.

    Sincerely,
    Clare DuMontier

  11. Our deepest sympathy to all Kathy’s family and friends! Prayers for strength and peace to each of you,
    Dolores Branch, Mike and Dee Sipi

  12. Kathy was always a ray of sunshine when I was around her – it was great to be a fellow city employee and to see her out playing volleyball in our leagues. So many hugs and prayers to all of you!


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