Katherine (Katie) Avery; 94, died September 9, 2022, at home of natural causes surrounded by family. She leaves behind her son, Lynn Avery, and daughter Celeste Smith; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and many close friends. Born in Springfield, MO the daughter of Will and Jessie Peters she lived as a lifelong resident of Springfield.

Katie showed a passion for dancing at an early age, ultimately, she performed in USO shows for the troops during the Korean war at the O'Reilly military hospital and Shrine Mosque.  There she met her future husband Marine Sgt. Wilbur (Bud) Avery, married in 1952 at Springfield Christian Church. Their loving marriage lasted 60 years and was celebrated with a 60 ^th reception at the Manor Retirement Center in Marionville, MO surrounded by family and friends alike.

Katie worked for years at the Kentwood Arms hotel planning and serving banquets, weddings, and special occasion events. After retirement, Katie and Bud moved to the Manor in Marionville, MO where they were long time members of the "Slow Steppers" and built many of the decorations that landscape the Manor's community for Christmas holiday enjoyment. She had a wonderful group of friends there but sadly was the last serving member of her group. Most recently she lived with her son in Chesterfield, MO and attended Incarnate Word Catholic church.

Nothing made Katie prouder than her family. A family extended to the many friends of her children's and grandchildren's groups of friends all of whom called Granma Katie or Ms. Katie. She was instrumental in orchestrating some award-winning MU tailgate celebrations, and many ice cream socials. With all her great grandchildren she was always hopping from on birthday celebration to another, always the life of the part.

A proud woman with integrity and grace, she was always making new lifelong friends, enjoyed traveling, and offering her time to support others. Her relationship with the lord was important to her, she was baptized and lead a good Christian life. She will be missed.

Memorial Services will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 14 ^th where she will be interred with her husband at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Rd., (by Lake Springfield) Springfield, MO.  Following will be a reception at Mount Carmel Methodist Church in Springfield, MO. where Katie's family have been members for five generations.