KATHRYN E. DISNEY
Kathryn “Katie” Elizabeth Disney, 43, passed away Monday, Feb. 5, 2024.
Katie is survived by her husband, Daniel, her daughter, Madelyn, her son, Miller; her parents, Mary and Bob Kempkes, her brother, Clarence Matthews (Alyssa), her sisters, Carmen Matthews, Becca Effrein (Adam) and Melissa Bertus (Chris); her lifetime best friend, Anna “Ti Ti” Olson; a host of aunt, uncles, nephews and nieces, and many, many friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Albert Matthews Jr.; her paternal grandparents, Mildred and Clarence Albert Matthews Sr.; and her maternal grandparents, Lena and Ike Harcourt.
Katie was born on Aug. 30, 1980, in Little Rock, Ark. She grew up in Little Rock and relocated to Hot Springs her junior year of high school. She graduated early from Hot Springs High School in 1998. She was a cheerleader at the University of Central Arkansas, where she received her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2002 and won a national cheerleading championship. Go Bears!
After college, Katie took a job selling copy machines, a short stint of employment that provided entertaining stories for many years. She found her calling as a teacher, starting at St. Edwards in Little Rock as an elementary school teacher in 2003. After her employment in Little Rock, she moved to Hot Springs and spent numerous years educating children all over Garland County. She was a talented educator who loved to come up with fun and enriching activities for her students. At Lakeside, she created books for all of her students, coordinated student-led mystery nights, and started the Rammy Awards, which were given to students in the gifted and talented program who participated in film production.
Katie was a big personality in a little body. Friends and family describe her as loyal, vivacious, magnetic, creative, sassy, opinionated and whip smart. She never met a stranger and was the life of every party. She loved to entertain; no occasion was too small to celebrate and the details “Always Mattered!” Katie made sure that every celebration was over the top. She collected Pez dispensers and baseballs, and her laugh was contagious. She was in her element making sure everyone felt special.
Katie loved and valued her family above all else. In 2005, Katie married the love of her life, Daniel. Katie was a champion for her two children, Madelyn and Miller, to whom she was fiercely devoted. She never missed a gymnastics meet or a soccer game. Katie loved summer days on the lake with her family enjoying Sam’s pizza. Katie was a loving wife, devoted daughter and sister, and the very best mom. She loved life, and she made the most of every day she was given on this Earth, even though she left it far too soon.
The family would like to extend deepest gratitude to MEMS, CHI St. Vincent’s Emergency department staff, ICU staff, and all the medical professionals who came from far and wide to share their expertise and collaborate on Katie’s care.
A celebration of life for Katie will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, at First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901. A reception will immediately follow. Katie’s daughter, Madelyn, requests that guests wear her mother’s favorite color, Hot Pink, to her service.
In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up at Arvest Bank for the benefit of Katie and Daniel’s children. To make a donation, please reach out to any Arvest Bank in Hot Springs.
Pallbearers will be Chris Bertus, Adam Effrein, Brandon Mabry, CJ Matthews, Clarence Matthews, Kremer Nicholas and Travis Synder. Honorary pallbearers include Kevin Brandon, Mark Brazil, Cory Clem, John Harcourt, Mike Harcourt, Rory Herndon, Bob Kempkes and Justin Lewis.
The online obituary, guestbook and memorial tribute are available at http://www. GrossFuneralHome.com.