Kathryn Louise Shanks

Kathryn Louise “Kate” Edwards Shanks of Ash Grove, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2020, just a few weeks shy of her 93rd birthday. She was born on February 2, 1927, in Hoopeston, Illinois, to Harry and Edna (Johnson) Edwards. Kate was the last surviving sibling of two brothers and five sisters.

On August 30, 1947, Kate married Robert Lee Shanks. He was the love of her life for 42 years before he passed away in 1989.

Kate was saved as a young girl and attended church until her health failed. Kate was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. One of her greatest joys was having family stop in for lunch for her special salmon cakes and fried potatoes and playing Scrabble. She loved to crochet and quilt.

Kate is survived by her daughter, Betty Brewer (Darrell) of Everton; three sons, Joe Shanks (Marti) of Willard, Mike Shanks (Brenda) of Lockwood, and Jim Shanks (Amy) of Everton; grandchildren, Robbie, Justin, Chanda, Josh, Amber, Teresa, Christopher, Michelle, Billy, Natalie, Erica, Jesi, Paige, Dylan; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Kate was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, two infant grandchildren Jenny and Jeremy, and her husband.

A graveside service was held Monday, January 6, 2020, at the Lockwood Cemetery in Lockwood, Missouri.

Kate’s family would like to say a very special thank you to the ones at the Ash Grove Healthcare Facility for taking such good care of her the last few years.

Arrangements were under the care and direction of Birch Funeral Home, Ash Grove, Missouri.