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.
December 10, 2025 @ 3:45 pm
We offer our most sincere sympathy for the loss of your mother, sister, aunt and friend. She was a very sweet person, and I know she will be greatly missed. Jim and Juanita Walker
December 10, 2025 @ 5:56 pm
My heart and prayers are with you all.
December 10, 2025 @ 6:05 pm
Sara, I am so sorry for your loss of your precious Momma. May God give you strength during this most difficult time. 🙏
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love and Hugs sweet girl 💜
December 10, 2025 @ 6:18 pm
My sincere condolences Sara and your family. Keep your many precious memories close to your heart during this difficult time. ❤️
December 10, 2025 @ 9:49 pm
Kathryn was the truest example of walking in faith, overflowing in love and a person of true peace. She was a loyal friend and a devoted prayer warrior for others in all of life’s storms. I’d say she will be missed but my heart has not yet accepted she is gone. My prayers for all of her treasured family – may God hold you in His loving arms and grant you comfort in this difficult season.
January 22, 2026 @ 11:33 am
My sister always talked so dearly of you! She enjoyed your friendship, Thank you for being such a dear friend to her!
December 10, 2025 @ 9:51 pm
Donna, and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
December 11, 2025 @ 1:10 am
I never got the chance to meet Kathryn but she seemed so sweet and kind. Her daughter is my sister and I am heartbroken for her. May God keep you in his graces!!! God bless
December 11, 2025 @ 9:52 am
Thank you Angie. She would have love you I am sure. She was happy i found 2 siblings from my father. She loved that your son Emil and wife Alyssa was stationed near us in Germany and that I got to meet him amd get to know him and his family. She knew his boys are my pride and joy who I love so dearly. 🥰
December 11, 2025 @ 7:50 am
Prayers and sympathy to all of her family!
December 11, 2025 @ 9:53 am
Thank you
January 22, 2026 @ 11:30 am
Thank you!
December 11, 2025 @ 5:15 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. Will be praying for all the family
December 13, 2025 @ 3:13 pm
Anita
I am sorry to hear about your loss
There is something special about a sister.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
January 22, 2026 @ 11:29 am
Thank you!
December 17, 2025 @ 7:28 am
Prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to all of Kathryn’s family. I would just like to say I enjoyed every moment I worked with Kathryn during our Girl Scout days.
January 22, 2026 @ 11:30 am
Thank you!