Katie Kay Nakvinda

Katie Kay (Sales) Nakvinda was born on August 21, 1961, in Denver, Colorado, and passed away peacefully at the age of 64 on October 14, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Katie grew up in Northglenn and Breckenridge, Colorado, later attending high school in La Junta and Granada. For a time, she studied at St. Mary of the Plains College, where her curiosity about people and her zest for life took root.

Known affectionately as "Katie" or "Kate," she adopted her nickname in honor of her maternal grandmother, Catherine Irwin, whose quiet strength and deep faith shaped her own. The name suited her perfectly - warm, steady, and full of heart.

Katie was the daughter of David Burton Sales and Glenda Jean (Irwin) McWilson, both of Lamar, Colorado, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Christine Ann Sales and her brother, Frederick Mitchell Sales. Her family also includes her stepfather, Dale McWilson, and her stepmother, Dottie Sales, both of Colorado.

Katie shared lifelong bonds with her sister, Teresa May (Dennis) Crelling of Okarche, Oklahoma, and her brother, Brian (Laura) Sales of Midland, Texas, who will forever cherish her humor, compassion, and faith-filled spirit.

Katie married Marty Henning and together they raised three sons who were the light of her life-Brandon, David, and Tyler. Though Katie and Marty later went their separate ways, her friendship with Marty and his wife, Brenda, endured through the years. Brandon is married to Pam (Weir) Henning and they are the proud parents of Hadley, 14. David is married to Jillian (Tatum) Henning and together they have three daughters: Brianna, 21, Rayleigh, 11, and Stevie, 9. Tyler has three children: Gloryia, 17, Jayden, 17, and Tyson, 15.

Katie was more than a grandmother-she was a teacher, a storyteller, and a best friend. She spent time with each of her grandchildren intentionally, building unique memories that will stay in their hearts forever. Whether they were in the kitchen learning her family recipes, sneaking out to her secret fishing hole with pole in hand, painting on the porch, finding treasures at the local thrift store, or sitting by her side in the hot tub listening to her stories, she filled every moment with love, wisdom, and laughter. Her lessons went far beyond cooking and fishing-she taught them patience, gratitude, the importance of family, and most of all, to always be humble and kind.

Katie later found love again with "her Bill." Her husband, Bill Nakvinda, remained by her side through life's joys and challenges, singing Katie the song in his heart to fill her life with laughter and keep her on her toes. Katie and Bill could often be found dancing in the kitchen, sitting quietly under the stars in their beautiful yard, or going on adventures with the grandchildren.

Katie is also survived by her stepdaughter, Ashley, who shared a special connection with her and often spoke of Katie's gentle guidance and encouragement.

Katie often called herself a "Plowgirl"-a nickname that perfectly captured her hardworking nature, love for the outdoors, and the simple, honest way she approached life. She found joy in her garden and loved all animals (except the rooster!). She was especially proud of her sunflowers, whose bright faces reflected her own resilience and warmth.

She had a natural gift for caring - not just for plants and animals, but for people. Katie and Bill lovingly cared for her father in his later years, welcoming him into their home and surrounding him with dignity and love until his passing. Katie once said, "In a world where we don't know what tomorrow brings, kindness matters." She took pride in looking each person she met in the eye, calling them by name with grace and dignity, and learning more about their story. Katie was a fisherman of men - a true disciple and model of the kindness Jesus calls us to show.

Faith was the cornerstone of Katie's life. She loved the Lord with all her heart and shared that faith easily and often. Katie's strong belief in the power of prayer was her foundation. Her daughters-in-law, Pam and Jillian, recall how Katie could take the smallest happening - a flower blooming, a meal shared during the holidays, a simple moment - and turn it into a spiritual truth, using it to teach and mentor her granddaughters about the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

If there were a sixth love language, Katie's would have been feeding people. Cooking wasn't just a skill-it was her ministry. She found joy in preparing meals and sharing them freely, often saying that food brought people together the way faith does. From smoked meats to homemade comfort food, she poured love into every dish. That passion led her to start Katie's Katering and Katie's Chopping Block and BBQ. In her early years, even after her smoker was stolen, Katie kept cooking - turning her home kitchen into a place filled with laughter, good company, and the smell of something delicious on the stove. In recent years, Katie found immense joy in providing catering services to Energy Transfer and her son David's hunting and fishing service, where she met and cherished many close friends who made her feel special through their love and appreciation for her food.

In her final days, Katie's family reflected on how perfectly her faith and her cooking intertwined-both were acts of love. One of her granddaughters said it best: "Jesus must have fired His cook, because He's calling Grandma home."

Katie leaves behind a table full of memories, stories, recipes, and love. She also leaves a wide circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever remember her generous heart, contagious laughter, and unwavering faith.

A celebration of Katie's life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the First Christian Church located at 402 East Noble Avenue in Guthrie, Oklahoma, with Pastor Ronnie Fields officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st Street, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044.

Inurnment will be held at the Cashion Cemetery at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, November 8, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life gathering with Katie's favorites foods at the Nakvinda home.

Plants or flowers may be sent to First Christian Church (402 East Noble Avenue, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044).

There will be no viewing.

Donations will be accepted in Katie's memory at The Jesus House in OKC, a ministry she supported with her whole heart. To donate online, visit https://jesushouseokc.org/donate/.

Friends may sign the guestbook at www.smithgallo.com.