Katheryn Colene (Opat) Hawkinson

Kathy was a ball of energy and joy, wrapped in a fancy purple package. To know her was to be loved by her; often in the form of lively conversations, sticker filled cards and texts full of hearts and prayer emojis.

Kathy Opat Hawkinson, 73, of Maize, joined her Lord and Savior in Heaven on October 6, 2024. She was born July 22, 1951 in McPherson, KS, the second of nine children of Leo and Donna (Burough) Opat. Kathy was a graduate of Lindsborg High School.

Kathy was introduced to the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Hawkinson, by his cousin. She and Bob had found their soulmates. They began their 53 years of marriage June 11, 1971. Over the years, they built a beautiful life that carried them from Alabama and Missouri, to McPherson, Garden City, Salina, Wichita and Maize. Kathy worked as a daycare provider, paraprofessional at Maize USD 266 and the Wichita Children’s Museum.

Kathy and Bob were blessed with two children, Tim (Marci) of Newton and John (Amanda) of Derby. Kathy was also considered a bonus mom by many friends and family members. She was active in her sons’ school lives; from serving as a room mother, to running the Maize High Band Booster Club and being a soccer mom.

Kathy was an all-in Grandma to three grandsons: Ewan, Silas, and Asher. The boys looked forward to their next day with Grandma Kathy and Papa Bob. These days were spent playing games, cooking, doing art projects, going to pet stores, and often involved the boys charming Grandma and Papa into a new toy. Recently, she was blessed with three bonus adult grandkids: Sawyer, Kynzi, and Cayd.

Kathy passionately took on the role as the beloved matriarch of her large extended family and had many friends as well, some for a lifetime. She was an important link in her Soul Sister group and always made sure everyone was covered in prayer and got what they needed. She especially enjoyed praise and music at her church, Legacy Worship Center in Wichita.

Kathy loved soaking in the beauty of her flowers and celebrating the seasons with decorations and joyful gatherings, with lots of dessert. She and Bob had become avid bird watchers at their new home overlooking a small lake. Kathy will be remembered for her passionate love of the Lord and all her people. Her vibrancy, big heartedness and caring spirit will be missed by all who loved her back.

Survivors include her husband Bob Hawkinson of Maize, KS; son and daughter in law, Tim and Marci Hawkinson of Newton, KS; son and daughter-in-law, John and Amanda Hawkinson of Derby, KS; grandchildren, Sawyer, Kynzi, and Cayd Barragan and Ewan, Silas, and Asher Hawkinson; and her cherished siblings Cecilia Opat, Kenneth Opat, Chris Opat, Martha Nickel, and Kerrick Opat. In addition to her immediate family, Kathy leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Connie Davidson, Cindy George and Kevin Opat.

A memorial service for Katheryn will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Legacy Worship Center, 3310 W. MacArthur Rd., Wichita, KS 67217. Following the memorial service will be an interment at 12:00 PM at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 W. Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67207.