Kat Cowley, 69, of Russell, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at the Wilson Care Center in Wilson, Kansas.
Kat, as she liked to be called, was born Kathy Sue Starnes on April 19, 1955 in Kansas City, Kansas. She was the first of four children to Eugene Richard and Edna Kathryn (LeMansky) Starnes. She grew up between Bison, Kansas, and Ellinwood, Kansas. She graduated from Ellinwood High School in the Class of 1973. She later achieved a degree from Hays Academy of Hair Design in Hays, Kansas.
Kat enjoyed working as a hairdresser much of her life, including many years at her own salon, Kat’s Hair Affair, in Natoma, Kansas. She also worked in various different jobs throughout her years and throughout the States. From pipeline hand to certified nursing assistant, Kat wasn’t afraid to work hard, start over, or try something new.
After six previous marriages, Kat found her lucky number seven. She was united in marriage to Terry Richard Cowley on December 28, 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada. His daughter, Meagan, became her step-daughter and Kat spent the next 13 years loving life with Terry. He was tragically taken from her April 3, 2014, during a heart surgery at only 51 years of age.
Kat had a determined spirit and an enormous heart; she cared for all living things. She was a member of the Natoma United Methodist Church and the Natoma American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed classic cars, Harley Davidson Motorcycles and spending time at Wilson Lake with friends. Kat had an endless love of life’s adventures and a passion for all the people that she met along those adventures. She had a special place in her heart for her animals and plants and cared deeply for the often unloved. Her heart held unfathomable depths of love, and she was as equally fierce as she was kind.
Kat’s surviving family include her two brothers, Gregory Scott Starnes of Natoma, Kansas, and Kelly Gene Starnes of Ellinwood, Kansas; sister, Lori Ann Kowalsky of Ellinwood, Kansas; step-daughter Meagan Eiland of Garden City, Kansas; her four-legged companions, Bentley and Ellie; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A special time for family and friends to gather will be 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. Cremation has taken place. A memorial has been established as the Kat Cowley Memorial Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.