Nancy Kathryn Morris, daughter of Donnie Leon Morris and Elga Pauline Harrison Morris, was born at home in the house her daddy built in West Plains, Missouri, on February 17, 1954. Her soul left her earthly home on December 8, 2025, at the age of 71 years, 9 months, and 21 days.
Kathryn’s greatest joy in life was her family. She is survived by her daughter, Sara Kay Mattes and husband Matthew of Nevada, Missouri; her granddaughter Katelyn Jean Morris of Kaiserslautern, Germany; and her grandsons Matthew Kohl Mattes and wife Megan of Austin, Texas, and Kyle William Mattes of Layton, Utah.
She is also survived by her beloved siblings: Anita & James Collins, John & Freda Morris, Donna & Randy Spencer, and David & Paula Morris. Kathryn loved her 14 nieces and nephews as if they were her own, and she cherished their children and grandchildren, celebrating birthdays, cheering milestones, and following each one closely on Facebook.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Joe & Delia Harrison; paternal grandparents Wilphard & Ruea Morris; her parents Donnie & Pauline Morris; her older sister Norma Jean Morris; her granddaughter Allison Ann Pauline Mattes; and many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins whom she loved throughout her life.
A Christian of the Baptist faith, Kathryn graduated high school in 1972 and later attended Draughon’s Practical Business College and Missouri State University. She retired from the State of Missouri in 2016 after 22 years of dedicated service. In retirement, she discovered talents she didn’t know she had—creating beautiful watercolor and acrylic paintings, crocheting, and embracing new hobbies with joy.
Kathryn loved NASCAR, bird-watching (naming each feathered visitor one by one), and baseball—especially her beloved St. Louis Cardinals. She treasured watching her grandchildren play sports and supporting her great-nephews and nieces in theirs. Her faithful kitty, Tobie Grace, will rest with her forever, as her ashes will be placed by Kathryn’s side.
Above all, Kathryn will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her deep devotion to family, and the love she freely gave to everyone blessed to know her.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Missouri.
Private burial will be in Huddleston Cemetery, Oregon County, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.
