1967-2024
Kathryn Pearl (Efinger) Hatten went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 6th 2024 leaving behind an amazing legacy. She was born June 12, 1967 at Kansas City MO to Fred Hughes Efinger and Mary Louise DeWilde Efinger. The family moved to Waverly Ks. in 1968. Kathryn was the oldest of three daughters. The Efinger girls could be seen joined at the hip whether it was working for their dad hauling trash or playing basketball on the courts as Bulldogs. Kathryn attended Elementary and Secondary school in Waverly Ks. She graduated Valedictorian of the class of 1985. While in school Kathryn was a member of the FCA, and played every sport as a Bulldog. After graduation Kathryn attended Neosho County Community college for one year and then transferred to Kansas University. She graduated with her BSW in 1989 then returned to KU to receive her MSW in 1994.
While studying for her undergraduate degree Kathryn began working for TFI family services in Emporia KS. She worked for TFI from 1996 until 2011. She held many Director positions caring for and serving the youth in Kansas. While working for TFI Kathryn lived in the Emporia, Hays, Lawrence, and Kansas City communities. In 2011 Kathryn changed her focus to senior care and moved with her family to Sedan Ks. She was the Administrator for Pleasant Valley Skilled Nursing for Americare until her passing. Kathryn was named the Administrator of the Year in 2018 by the Kansas Health Care Association. Her passion for serving the senior community was never more evident than when she managed care at two facilities for well over two years during the Covid outbreak in 2019. She found joy in protecting and caring for the seniors of her small community. Family was everything to Kathryn, the residents and coworkers were part of that family.
Kathryn met and married her forever love Eric Hatten and became a stepmom to his daughter Erica. They welcomed their son, Dameion Eric Hatten, to the family on October 21st, 2003. Although Kathryn had an amazing career, her greatest pride came from being a wife, mom, and grandma. With unending love she followed their son throughout the United States watching him pursue his passions, basketball and football, never missing a game and a chance to cheer on the Sedan Blue Devils or the McKendree Bearcats. If Kathryn wasn’t working or cheering in the stands she was crafting. With a creative eye she loved to sew and craft with anything. She made many treasured gifts for her friends and family.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her father, Fred H. Efinger.
Kathryn leaves her husband Eric Hatten Sedan KS,, son Dameion Eric Hatten Lebanon, IL., step daughter Erica Starks (Charlie) Kansas City, MO. Her mother Mary Louise Efinger Waverly KS, sisters Karen Thaler (Susan) Davis SD., and Beverly Russell (Larry) Georgetown TX., grandchildren (Amari Starks and Aubrei Starks), nieces, nephews, many cousins, and friends.
Kathryn was cremated. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, October 31, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waverly. Inurnment will follow in Waverly Cemetery.
A Rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M. Wednesday, October 30, followed by visitation at 7:00 P.M. at the church.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” Maya Angelou. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Dameion Hatten education fund and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.
Visitation
528 Pearson Ave.
Waverly, KS 66871
Service/Mass
528 Pearson Ave.
Waverly, KS 66871
Funeral Home in Charge
801 Garrettson St.
Burlington, KS 66839