Katherine Heaton

Katherine Frances Heaton, life-long Vandalia resident, departed this world for her eternal home, Saturday, April 19th. Kathy was probably best known in the community for her sewing and alterations business and for her sense of humor and joke telling. As one of her friends recently confided, Heaven will probably never be the same now that Kathy is there.

Born in Vandalia on July 24th, 1937, Kathy began her working career after college, teaching in the Van-Far School District. She left teaching to move to the family farm in Estes. In a time when most rural families raised virtually everything they consumed, Kathy was an adventurous gardener and grew an incredibly wide range of fruits and vegetables. She perfected the art of canning and preserving foods and making jellies and jam. She also liked to experiment with candy making during the holiday seasons. Her greatest culinary accomplishment was perfecting her recipe for making possibly the world’s finest fried chicken. She would never share the real recipe. While in Estes, Kathy was active in the Estes Presbyterian Church, where along with other members, sewed quilts on a weekly basis (and gossiped) which were later sold at the annual Lord's Acre Sale. Then, life happened.

Kathy married Faye Heaton April 27th, 1976 and returned to Vandalia. Shortly after, she opened her sewing and alterations business, which was operational full-time up until 2020. At one time it was one of Vandalia’s longest continuously operating businesses. She made custom wedding and prom dresses,and draperies along with doing general repairs. As time passed she focused on smaller projects, school band and professional uniforms and supported several local clothing stores.

After finally deciding to retire, Kathy enjoyed visiting with her many friends in the community, reading, watching WWE wrestling, Battlebots, and motor racing, and of course, entertaining friends with her quick wit and vast repertoire of jokes.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Faye (2007), her “ insanely spoiled children” The Pugs, and several brothers and sisters. She is survived by sister Louise Headington (PA) , and sons Robby Willis (MN), and Marty Willis, and wife DeAnn, of Ozark, MO.

Kathy spent the past three years as a resident of Baptist Homes of Tri-County. There she thrived with the help of their amazing nursing and support staff. The staff’s dedication, kindness and compassion is beyond words. Kathy’s amazing resiliency in battling a variety of medical issues was an inspiration to many.

A memorial service to honor Katherine will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, starting at 2:00 PM at the Baptist Home of Tri-County in Vandalia, MO. Family, friends, and all who were touched by her warmth are invited to come together to celebrate her life. Private family inurnment will be in the Mount Olivet Cemetery south of Vandalia. Cremation arrangements are being handled by the Waters Funeral Home of Vandalia. No donations please.

If you still feel the need to give, please direct donations to the Baptist Homes of Tri County

Activities Fund, in care of Waters Funeral Home.

It was once overheard when the local chaplain was entering Kathy’s room, Hey, keep it clean today, my boss is with me . . . Rest in peace sweet lady.