Kathren Choate

Lena "Kathren" Choate, age 83 of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Northcare Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.
Born on June 24, 1942, in Maysville, Oklahoma, a daughter of the late Levie Ellis and Winnie Mae (Batson) Mattingly, Kathren graduated from Norman High School in 1960. While in high school, she met Jimmie Leon Choate on a blind date. They were married on April 29, 1961, in Norman. The couple shared nearly 60 years together until his passing on October 23, 2019.
The young couple worked on the family farm in Fredonia, Kansas, before moving to Manhattan, Kansas, for Jim to complete his education at Kansas State University. In 1966, Kathren and Jim settled in Missouri due to his job with the Missouri Department of Conservation where they lived in Lee's Summit, Millersburg, Windsor, and finally, Holts Summit, where they would stay for 45 years. Kathren moved into Jefferson City in 2017.
Kathren continued her own education in 1970 once the last of her three children started kindergarten. She graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in home economics education. After graduating Kathren taught Home Economics at Helias High School before moving to Jefferson City High School where she would stay for 10 years. Her caring disposition and joy in supporting youth in learning skills that would prepare them for the real world helped build relationships with her students. Many times, she would run into former students, and they would say, "You were my favorite teacher!"
In 1990, Kathren transitioned to the Office of Secretary of State where she was Editor for the Administrative Rules Division until her retirement in 2001. Kathren possessed a strong work ethic and always approached her responsibilities with excellence and integrity.
In retirement, Kathren and Jim found great pleasure in traveling to see family and friends. One of their biggest adventures was traveling through Alaska in an RV. They spent many Februarys in Port Isabel, Texas and Destin, Florida.
Her greatest joy came in her faith and family. Kathren was an active member of First Baptist Church for over 45 years. There she served on committees, led Sunday School classes and was one of the first female deacons selected by the church. She was currently a member at Concord Baptist Church where she was active in the Senior Adult choir and activities as well as her Sunday School class.
She had the gift of hospitality, occasionally hosting the Friday Night Group (church friends), her children's college friends looking for a homecooked meal and countless gatherings of friends and family. Kathren looked forward to anytime she could be with family whether it was the holidays, weekend visits or Mizzou sporting events. She always made the holidays something special, especially when gathering with extended family. It wasn't Thanksgiving without her Peanut Butter Balls.
Kathren loved to quilt. She used this passion in service to God as she was co-founder of the Piecemakers Quilt Group that made quilts for Hurricane Katrina refugees and others in need. She also initiated a ministry to make fleece blankets for foster children served through Camp L.I.T. (Living in Truth). Since starting the ministry in 2021, it has increased to seven members sewing nearly 400 blankets for foster children.
She was also involved with the Runge Nature Center's Nature Needlers and Wildlifers Quilt Groups. Kathren's gift for designing, sewing and quilting was true labor of love. Her artistry stitched into every piece. Over the years, she created countless quilts that warmed the homes and hearts of family and friends, with some earning prize-winning recognition.
She is survived by her children, Brian Choate (Gayla) of Lewisville, Texas, Greg Choate (Becky) of Kearney, Missouri and Lauri Choate of St. Louis, Missouri; brother Harold Mattingly (Joy) of El Dorado Spring, Missouri; grandchildren Caleb Choate (Audrey), Sara Crump (Kenny), Matt Choate (Tiff), Garrett Choate and Connor Choate; and great-grandchildren, Brady Choate, Hattie Choate, Dawson Crump, Marleigh Crump and Kirk Choate.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Jim; parents, Levie and Winnie, sister, Opal Vass (Eddie Ray).
Visitation will be held from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 30, 2025, at Freeman Mortuary.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Concord Baptist Church with the Reverend Greg Morrow and the Reverend John King officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Riverview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Northcare Hospice House to support Kansas City Hospice, 2800 Clay Edwards Dr., 2nd Floor, North Kansas City, MO 64116.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.