Kathey Diane Harris, age 67, of Fredericktown, MO was born on October 23, 1956, in Louisiana, MO to the late Wendell (Bob) & Betty Besher. Kathey married Gary L. Harris on June 28, 1986, at Mt. View Church in Marquand, MO and just recently celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary.
Preceding her in death:
Aunts: Mae Peterson, Goldie Taylor, Bessie Lamberson, Alma Lamberson, Gertie Kenzler, Irene Wheeler, and Dorothy (Besher) Miller.
Uncles: Tom Wheeler, Clarence Wheeler, Johnnie Wheeler, Truman Earl Wheeler, George Wheeler, Albert Wheeler, Clyde Wheeler, Stan Besher, and Lindell Miller
Grandpa Bill & Grandma Amy Besher, and many numerous cousins to name.
Survivors:
4 Daughters: Shannon (Gary Jr.) Ward, Kristy (Dustin) Kelley of Fredericktown, Monica Biancardi of Farmington, and Danielle Henry.
1 Son: Monty Harris of Fredericktown
1 Brother: Steve (Linda) Besher of Fredericktown
1 Sister: Lisa (Lonnie) King of Farmington
Leaving behind 12 grandchildren: Gary III (Brooke) Ward, Garrett (Taylor) Ward, Junior (Layni), Brock & Brielle Kelley, Bryson & Jenson Harris, Makayla, Carson, Preston, Huxley, and Ridge Basler
2 Great-Grandchildren: Barrett Bowen & Laynee Ward of Fredericktown.
Nieces: Jordan (Mykayla) Besher, Charlene King
Nephews: Brandon (Annie) Besher, Derek (Stephanie) King, Kenneth (Bree) Deal, Logan (Katelyn) Deal, and Tyler Jarrell.
Cousins too numerous to name.
Kathey was of the Baptist faith, attending Twin Oaks FWB Church for over 25 years.
She loved and enjoyed spending time with her grandkids. Watching them play sports, dance, graduate, or whatever they asked her to do at the time, even sneaking money to them when they asked for a dollar or two. She enjoyed spending time with family and her fur babies Sydney & Diesel. She loved to help others and would give them anything they needed when asked. She enjoyed traveling around the United States seeing history and National Parks all over. She also enjoyed gardening, camping, listening & attending concerts, making jewelry, sewing and quilting, going to yard sales and shopping. She loved animals of all kinds, and they loved her in return.
Kathey graduated Meadow Heights High School in May of 1974, then went on to Perryville Vocational School to be a nurse’s aide, graduating in July of 1978. Later deciding that’s not what she wanted to do in life, she enrolled at Mineral Area College.
She graduated with an Associated Degree through Mineral Area College and a dual Bachelor’s degree through Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau; one in general education and the other in special education. She earned her master’s degree in special education later. Kathey taught & loved history and special education over the course of many years, teaching at Lesterville, Windsor, Laquey, and North County. After retiring from teaching, she remained as a substitute teacher for the local school districts.
Kathey loved her animals. She always had a cat or two, bird or two, or even a hamster to keep her busy but her most loved animal was her buddies: Toby, Lexie, Heidi, Diesel, and Sydney. Her most loyal companion Diesel & Sydney already miss her.
Pallbearers: Grandson: Gary III & Garrett Ward, Junior & Brock Kelley, nephews: Brandon Besher & Derek King & Tyler Jarrell.
