Kathy Stuart passed away November 3, 2023, having suffered from early onset dementia. She was born Mary Kathryn McLaughlin on April 13, 1957, the daughter of Dr. Robert S. and Jennie McLaughlin. Kathy attended Shawnee public schools where she was active in Tri-Hi-Y, dance, and a varsity cheerleader. Kathy attended Oklahoma State University in 1975 where she became a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. In 1977 she married Jim Stuart and transferred to the University of Tulsa, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. They returned to Shawnee in 1979 where Kathy began her career as an elementary school teacher. She later helped start the Oklahoma Parents as Teachers program through Shawnee public schools, teaching parenting skills to teen moms for over 20 years.
She is survived by her husband and three daughters; Emily Thompson (Matt) of Oklahoma City, Rachel Schones (Nicholas) of Oklahoma City, and Sarah Rader (David) of Ft. Worth, TX; five grandchildren, Mack Thompson and Mary Stuart Thompson, Warren Rader and Betty Rader, and Xoey Schones; two siblings; sister Terri Allen (Jay) of Rogers, Arkansas, and brother Dr. Clay McLaughlin (Susan) of Shawnee.
A memorial ceremony will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Heritage Church, 10th and Union, in Shawnee, under the direction of Walker Funeral & Cremation Service.
