KathLeah "Kitty" Owens

KathLeah “Kitty” Owens, 77, daughter of Marshall and Mickie Sims, passed away peacefully at home on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026. She was surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born in Waco, TX on July 29, 1948.

In 1970, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert “Red” Owens. Together, they began a happy marriage that would span over 56 years. They built a life centered on faith and raised two sons, Marshall and John. Kitty was a follower of Jesus Christ, and her faith guided the way she lived and cared for her family. Above all, she loved her five grandsons and took sincere interest in each of their lives, hobbies, and passions.

As a graduate of Baylor University, Kitty went on to dedicate 27 years of her life to teaching public school. Her love of educating children touched countless students and families.

Kitty had a deep love for animals, especially her horses and dogs. She was an accomplished horsewoman who treasured her horses, Chief and Cherokee. She also valued the friendships and community of fellow riders who shared her passion.

Kitty was deeply connected to her Texan heritage and proudly served as a Chapter President of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Her creativity and generosity showed through her quilting and stitching. She found great joy in quilting retreats, stitching circles, and the lifelong friendships built through those gatherings. Many of her handmade quilts were given away to bless others, including lap quilts donated to nursing homes, dresses sent to Africa, blankets and dolls donated to local police departments, and donations to Project Linus.

Kitty is survived by her devoted husband, Red; her sons, Marshall and John; daughters-in-law, Jennifer and Audrey; her beloved grandsons, Luke, Reid, Nash, Jack, and Finn; her sister, Ruthie; and her sisters Darden, Laurie, Molly, and brother Brad.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to one of the following charities: Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Project Linus, ASPCA