Mary Katherine Arnold

                 Mary “Katherine” Arnold, 82, Nevada, MO passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020 at Barone Alzheimer’s Care Center in Nevada.  Katherine was born October 2, 1938 in Hume, MO to Russell H. and Edith V. (Henley) Brooks.

Katherine’s school days began in the mid 1940’s at Brush College where she attended 1st-8th grade. She was in the last graduating class before all the small country schools were annexed into larger districts. She continued her education as a Metz Cardinal where she graduated in 1956. She then went to Kansas State College of Pittsburg, now known as Pittsburg State University. Her days as a gorilla brought her a Bachelor’s degree to teach Home Economics. She began her teaching career in Attica, KS in 1960. The next year, she moved closer to home where she met and married her husband of 56 years, Jerry Arnold on June 7, 1964. She taught Home Economics at Turner High School in Kansas City, KS. Cooking and sewing were two skills she loved to teach, as these were skills she learned as a member of 4-H in her younger years. In 1966, their daughter, Sherry was born and they moved back to Hume, MO to help on her family farm. Katherine taught at Metz and Hume High Schools for several years.  While teaching First Grade at Miami School, near Amsterdam, MO she obtained her Master’s degree in Science. In 1977, they moved to Nevada, MO where she taught Second Grade at Walker R-4 until her retirement in 1991.  Katherine’s students meant a great deal to her and until her final days, she never missed an opportunity to ask them about their lives when she would see them.

In addition to her love of teaching, Katherine enjoyed spending time quilting and baking.  Always a farm girl at heart, she could often be found helping Jerry on the farm or attending various 4-H activities.  She took great pride in her garden and loved to can.

Katherine’s proudest moments were spent with her grandchildren, Reba and Justin.  Upon her retirement in 1991, she spent her days sharing her love and knowledge with them.  She loved following them in their many activities.  She was especially proud of their involvement in 4-H. Jerry and Katherine would travel with the kids as they showed registered Hereford cattle in many shows at the local, state and national levels.

In addition to her husband Jerry of the home, Katherine is survived by daughter Sherry Hurst (Brad) of Nevada, MO; granddaughter Reba Rapp (Chris) of Rockville, MO; grandson Justin Hurst (fiancé Meagan Carder) of Nevada, MO; and two great-grandsons Zak and Ralin Rapp of Rockville, MO. Katherine is also survived by one brother Joe Brooks, Hume, MO and several nieces and nephews. She will be fondly remembered by her friends and the many students she met during her teaching career.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Barone Alzheimer Care Center for their care and compassion over the last several years.

Memorial services for Katherine Arnold will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, MO with Brother Bill Platt officiating.  Interment will be held at Hume Cemetery in Hume, MO.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Memorials are suggested in Katherine’s memory to the Vernon County Youth Fair in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

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