Katherine "Kathie" Clay

Katherine Ann Clay (McWhirter) 76 years old passed away peacefully at her home with her family on September 5, 2025. She was born in Marshall, Missouri on August 12,1949 to Mack and Virginia McWhirter.

On September 4, 1967 she married her one true love, Carol Lee Clay who preceded her in death in 2018, as well as both of her parents.

She is survived by one daughter, Diana Clay, Green City; one son, Michael Clay, Jefferson City; three grandchildren: Taylor Clay, Tony Clay and Kirynn Clay; four great- grandchildren: Parker, Scarlet, Octavia and Alistair Clay. Two brothers: Dean McWhirter and Steven McWhirter and one brother-in-law Gerald Clay and wife Jill, many nieces, nephews and cousins who she loved very much.

Kathie grew up in Slater, Missouri and later lived in Kansas where she started her family. She moved to Colorado and found her adventurous side. She loved four-wheeling in the mountains and rafting on the Colorado River. She and her husband moved back to Green City and resided there for 39 years.

She worked her whole career in nursing, specializing in respiratory nursing and in long term care facilities. She later took care of many of her elderly neighbors and terminal family members.

Kathie was a strong and persistent woman who survived uterine, breast, stomach and knee cancer. She was a fighter for sure.

Kathie was known for her baking and supplied half the town at one time. Her noodles and friendship bread were enjoyed by all. Her most important job was taking care of her family; she was an excellent caregiver. She was always ready to lend a hand, an ear or a shoulder. She was a loving mother and grandma and a loyal friend. She was all of our biggest cheerleader.

Kathie was previously a member of the Rebekah's, Green City Betterment and a city council member but genealogy was her passion. She always made herself available to meet and help others find their family roots. She was the treasurer of the Water Commission since 2018. She was so proud of the hard work put into the development of the Roy Blunt Reservoir.

She leaves a hole in our hearts but she is reunited with her husband now.

A special thank you to Betty Jo Posey and Pam and Ruben Campos for their support to the family.

Funeral services for Kathie will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Green City. Burial will follow at Green Castle Cemetery. A visitation will be held 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at the funeral home.

Contributions to the family to assist with burial and may be sent to Diana Clay 325 West First Street Green City, Mo 63545