Shirley Kathleen Heverns, of Birch Tree, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, at the age of 74. She was born on September 21, 1951, in Eminence, Missouri, to James Paul Martin and Hattie Gladys (LaMar) Martin.

After completing her education, Kathy held a variety of positions throughout her career, including work as a cook and waitress. She later dedicated herself to caring for others as a home health aide with Shannon County Health Center, where she remained until her retirement in 2014.

On January 29, 1972, Kathy married the love of her life, Roy Heverns. Together they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with two children, Gladys Michelle "Shelly", born in 1973, and Michael Roy "Mikey", born in 1976.

Kathy was known for her kind, compassionate heart, her spirited sense of humor, and her gentle sass. She treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She found joy in cooking, fishing, canning pickles, singing karaoke, attending church, collecting quilts and jewelry, visiting yard sales and auctions, playing bingo, and enjoying a wide variety of card games, at which she was famously difficult to beat.

She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Roy Heverns; her daughter, Shelly (Van); her granddaughters, Tesla (Auston), Kylie (Nikki), and Lea (George); her great-grandchildren, Colby, Ian, Brayden, Roxas, Briella, Logan, and Adeline; her brothers, Stanley Martin and Danny (Hilda) Martin; her sisters, Norma Lee (Joe) Donaldson, Linda Chilton, Frances (Mike) Parcell, Chrissy (Richard) Murphy, and Becky Martin; her sister-in-law, Ebbie Weisbrod; her brother-in law, Richard Heverns; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Paul and Hattie Gladys Martin; her parents-in-law, Walker and Edith Heverns; her beloved son, Michael Roy Heverns; her brother, Ricky; her sister, Margie; her brothers-in-law, Pete, Denver, Carl, David, Bill, Ben, and Mike; and her sisters-in-law, Audrey, Alice, Norma, and Denise.

Kathy will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her generous spirit, and the many lives she touched through her kindness, compassion, and enduring faith. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Birch Tree, Missouri, with Pastor Jeff Brake officiating, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Birch Tree. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 2-3:00 p.m., also at the church. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Birch Tree. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortury.com.