Katie Darr

Katie Ann Darr passed over to the other side on May 31, 2016. She was born on August 31, 1969 in Kansas City, Missouri to Joan and Norman Oehrle. She fought a hard, courageous fight against brain cancer for over a year. Her parents were both teachers in the Parkhill School District in Kansas City. They moved to Waverly, Missouri in 1970 where her father was a first-time principal at the elementary school. Her brother, Nathan, was born there and the family moved to Moberly, Missouri in 1973. Katie’s dad became the principal at Central Elementary School and later North Park Elementary. Her mother was a full-time homemaker until both children were in school and then she returned to teaching at East Park and North Park. Katie Ann and Nathan both attended school in Moberly from kindergarten through Moberly Junior College. Katie graduated from Southwest Missouri State College with a degree in social work. She worked for Family Services in Boonville and later for Family Services in Columbia at the facility on Vandiver. She worked there for fourteen years and made many wonderful friends. Katie changed jobs three years ago and joined the insurance department at the University of Missouri Medical Center. She left this job last year when her fight against brain cancer became a full time job. Katie Ann met her husband, Brent Darr, when they both lived in St. Louis. They married in Columbia on April 10, 1999. They made their home in Columbia for seventeen years. Katie Ann is survived by her loving husband, Brent, and the two treasures of her life; Blake Austin who will be entering Battle High School in the fall; and Addison Grace who will be a fifth-grader at Ridgeway Elementary School. Her step-daughter, Samantha graduated from William Jewell University in May. Her strong family also includes her mother and father, Joan and Norman Oehrle; brother, Nathan and April Oehrle; in-laws, Glen and Leona Darr; step-daughter, Samantha; nephew, David Oehrle; dear aunts, Ann Riddle (Larry) of Kansas City and Jean Miller (Bob) of Williamsburg, Virginia. When Joan and Norman brought Katie home from the hospital almost 47 years ago she was joyfully greeted by the Riddle Kids; Scott, Susan, Sara, Sally and Sheila. Everyone who knew Katie was always impressed by her beautiful smile and big brown eyes. Her great sense of humor and smart wit were enjoyed by everyone. She cared very much for her family and friends. Katie Ann and her mother would have their best days when they could go to thrift shops, flea markets and antique shops. Itchys’s was their favorite pastime. She loved to read and always had a book in her hand. She planted flowers every spring with her mom. Her parents were retired educators of 32 years and when Katie and her brother were growing up the family spent summers camping and traveling the United States from ocean to ocean. These summer adventures instilled in her a love of nature and American History. Sweet Katie Ann will be missed forever by her family. Her family were dear friends and her friends were like family. Katie will continue to be in our memories and we know she will greet each one of us someday with her beautiful smile when we cross to the other side. We thank God for the years we had with her. We know she is walking in gardens of beautiful flowers and enjoying the sunshine she loved so much. Katie’s visitation will be held Sunday, June 5, 2016 at Pathway Memorial Funeral Home from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 6, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Park View Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kirksville, MO. Memorial contributions are appreciated to Central Bank of Boone County on Smiley Lane in Columbia, Mo under the name of Brent Darr or Norman Oehrle for a Trust Fund to be established for Blake and Addie.