Katherine (Katie) V. Avery, 94, of Richmond passed away peacefully on Sept. 9, 2022, surrounded by family and loved ones at home.  

Katie was born on Aug. 1, 1928, to Will and Jessie Peters of Springfield. 

Katie showed a passion for dance at an early age. She ultimately performed in the USO for the troops during the Korean War at the O’Reilly Military Hospital and Shrine Mosque, Springfield. There, she met her future husband, Marine Sgt. Wilbur (Bud) T. Avery. They were married in 1952.  

She raised a family and was active in her childhood church, Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, Springfield. There are four generations listed on the cradle roll.  

She worked many years at the Kentwood Arms Hotel, planning and servicing banquets, weddings and special occasion events. She then moved to Marionville and there celebrated 60 years of marriage to Bud, with a reception held at the Methodist Manor, Marionville.  

She also lived in Chesterfield; Olathe, Kansas; and Richmond. 

Katie was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, two sisters and many dear, close friends.   

She leaves behind her son, Lynn Avery and wife D.J. Westling of Chesterfield; daughter, Celeste Avery Smith and husband Danny Smith of Richmond; granddaughters, Amanda (Manda) and husband Mike Shults of Richmond, Jessica and husband Kevin Hemenway of Gardner, Kansas; one step-grandson, Zach and wife, Brittany Westling, of Chesterfield; Allie Avery and husband, Rob Shultz; and grandsons, Jonathan, Benjamin, and Kevin, all from California.; nine great-grandchildren Logan, Tanner, McKenize, Aria, Scarlet and Leanna Shults, and Kristopher, Haydn and Wyatt Hemenway; and nephew, David Delzell, of Springfield. 

A celebration of Katie’s life will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Smith home in Richmond. Contact Thurman Funeral Home for more information.  

Katie will be laid to rest at 1 p.m. on Oct. 14 at Springfield Veterans Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either Excelsior Springs Home Health & Hospice, 1010 N. Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024; or American Legion Post No. 237, 312 Clark St., Richmond, MO 64085, phone: 816-776-8056. 

Come celebrate Katie’s wonderful life and memories with her family. Katie will be deeply missed.  

I love you, a bushel and a peck, and a hug around your neck!