MARSHALL — Like the cool waters of the Buffalo River called to her as a child, our Heavenly Father ’ s tender voice called our mother home. Kattie Lee King Moore,

93, passed away in her home on March 12th 2022, surrounded by her 5 girls.

Kattie, also known to her loved ones as Aunt Kitty, Kate, and Nannie, was born in Gilbert, AR on February 27th, 1929. She is the daughter of Forest J. and Clara King. Kattie attended school through the eighth grade in Gilbert along with her two siblings Bonnie and Eldon, where they were active in the 4H Club. She attended Western Grove School for three years then graduated from Marshall High School in 1946.

Kattie loved driving her friends to school in her green Model A Ford. She drove fast. Always. She was known, on several occasions, to have outrun the law. She was beautiful, strong-willed and spirited. She spoke her mind, said what she meant and meant what she said. Kattie had a quick wit and was known for her one-liners. She loved the Lord, Juicy Fruit gum, soft shell pink lipstick, and a fresh cup of coffee. She loved fresh flowers and took pride in caring for her African violets. She delighted in watching her red birds out her big picture window. She was a regular at the Sunset Restaurant and Ferguson’s.

Growing up in Gilbert, Kattie found the Buffalo River provided a never-ending playground, as she enjoyed taking afternoons dips in the river and swinging from the ‘ole’ rope swing. Picnics on the gravel bar with Bonnie and Eldon and their parents were so special, and she delighted in the wonderful food and fellowship. Kattie excelled in family fishing contests when she often hauled in the biggest lineside. She loved hiking along the river near the railroad tracks and hearing the long train whistle blow alerting its arrival. Kattie was baptized at the age of 11 in the cool waters of the Buffalo alongside her best friend Kathryn.

Kattie left the banks of the Buffalo for a while and followed her older brother Eldon to Milligan College in Johnson City, Tenn., where she showcased her beautiful soprano voice in the Milligan College Choir. Kattie’s love for singing followed her throughout life, but her sweetest melody came when she met the love of her life, Ray Moore. The couple grew up in Gilbert knowing one another’s families but it wasn’t until Ray came home from WWII and she saw him for the first time in his Navy uniform and, she knew he was far more than an acquaintance, he was the love of her life. The two were married on June 10th, 1952 in the Gilbert Christian Church and to this union came five daughters, Marcie, Tammie, Lesa, Jeannie, and Amie.

Ray and Kattie lived in Marshall where they raised their five girls on Chestnut Street. She was a loving mother who sure could cook. Her love for cooking was passed down by her mother, grandmother, and Aunt Illa Gene. Her buttermilk biscuits and apple cobbler were second to none, but it was her famous peanut brittle that got the most applause. Food connected her to family. Circling around the dinner table every evening with her husband and five girls were precious times. Her daughters fondly remember their Mom and Dad dancing in the kitchen while the radio played their favorite country song. Ray passed away in 1978. Kattie and her girls missed him dearly, but they carried on.

Kattie had a personal relationship with her Savior Jesus Christ. She faithfully worshiped Him for over 90 years in her beloved Gilbert Christian Church. Her church family were cherished friends who brought light to one another. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Her faith in God and her strength in the face of adversity is a true testament to her character. Like the mighty waters of the Buffalo River she is strong and her current is swift; she has let go now; smooth waters are just on the other side.

Kattie is preceded in death by her husband Ray Moore as well as her parents and brother Eldon King and wife Ann. She is survived by her five daughters, Marcie Magness (Bill) of Harrison, Tammie Roth ( Danny) of Harrison, Lesa Lay of Rogers, and Jeannie Moore and Amie Moore, both of Fayetteville; one sister, Bonnie Baker and late husband Dr. Bill Baker; six grandchildren, Mandy Magness, Matt Magness (Caroline), Zack Roth ( Kelsey), Katie Sheehan (Joe), Cody Lay (Meg), Will Roth- eight great-grandchildren, Logan Magness, Jack Magness, Ryder Mullins, Ellie Kate Magness, Aspen Roth, Levi Roth, Bert Sheehan, Ellis Ray Roth, and one more great- grandchild on the way. She has a host of nieces and nephews who are so dear to her and countless cousins who she adored.

A special thanks to Elite Home Health and Elite Hospice for all their support and care.

Our family will forever be grateful to the ladies who so tenderly cared for our mother over the last few years. Bonnie Cowan, Kathy Cowan, Pat Rowe, Abby Dye and Kathy Trevarton are angels on earth and they so lovingly devoted their time to our mother.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, March 17th, at East Lawn Cemetery in Marshall at 11 a.m., under the direction of Roller Coffman in Marshall. A song and celebration service will continue at the Gilbert School House following the graveside. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to: Gilbert Christian Church, P.O. Box 32, Gilbert, Ark. 72636. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/marshall