Elizabeth “Kathy” Kathlene (Henderson) Thomas, daughter of the late Forest Henderson and Anna Young, was born May 1, 1949, in Springfield, Missouri, and departed this life January 8, 2026, at her home in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 76 years, 8 months, and 7 days.
Kathy, a longtime resident of Springfield, passed away leaving a legacy of music, laughter, and love. Raised in Wright County, Kathy attended school in Hartville and Mansfield and raised her daughter Carla in Mansfield before settling in Springfield. She was a familiar, friendly face to many in Springfield, having spent much of her career as a waitress at Anton’s Coffee Shop.
Kathy, a longtime resident of Springfield, passed away leaving a legacy of music, laughter, and love. Raised in Wright County, Kathy attended school in Hartville and Mansfield and raised her daughter Carla in Mansfield before settling in Springfield where she raised her daughter Alisha. She was a familiar, friendly face to many in Springfield, having spent much of her career as a waitress at Anton’s Coffee Shop.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Forest Henderson and Anna Martin, four sisters, Mary Lloyd, Melba Coday, Kay Woodman, and Cheri Mckenzie, and two brothers, Dennis Hurst, and Kenneth Henderson.
She is survived by her husband, Lowell Thomas of the home, four daughters, Carla Hayes and husband, Dirk, Alisha Thomas, Patty Mabe and husband, Tim, Jewel Sorenson, one son, Don Thomas and wife, Darlene, one sister, Wilda Taylor and husband, Ken, nine grandchildren, Ryan, Rachel, Breanna, Brandon, Amber, Krystal, Jason, Jeremy, and Justin, and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Kathy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and will always cherish the many memories spent together.
Memorial contributions can be made in Memory of Kathy Thomas to the American Heart Association or to Shriners Hospital for Children by clicking the link below, or drop them off in person at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mansfield, or by mail to 315 N. Main St., Mountain Grove, Missouri, 65711.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
209 N. Lincoln Ave P.O. Box 243, Mansfield, MO 65704
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more