Lou Katherine "Kathy" Mitcham, age 71, passed from this life Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at home surrounded by family. Kathy was born October 9, 1953 in Union County, AR to the late Casey and Maxine Telano.

Kathy Mitcham a woman whose life was centered on faith, family, and love. She was the heart of her family, the one who never missed a game, a gathering, or a moment to cheer on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren from the sidelines. Whether it was a ballgame or a school play, Kathy was there, proud and present.

Kathy was a faithful member of her church, where her service was felt not only in spirit but also in the warmth of her cooking. She was the go-to for every potluck, and no one could match the comfort of her chicken and dumplings, the richness of her chicken dressing, or the crowd-pleasing favorite, chicken spaghetti. Her kitchen was a place of gathering, storytelling, and laughter.

She found joy in the simple pleasures: relaxing at the river, watching the Game Show Network, and sharing beach trips with her beloved family and her close-knit group of friends. These moments weren't just vacations; they were treasured memories made over years of love and laughter.

Kathy lived a life full of devotion, to God, to her family, and to the community she loved. Her legacy is one of generosity, loyalty, and unwavering love.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit lives on in the meals she taught others to make, the games she never missed, and the faith she modeled so beautifully.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of thirty-five years Kenneth Mitcham; one brother Alvin Telano; and one sister Linda Bussey.

Those left to cherish her memory include: two daughters Kim Black (Kevin), and Kayla Gates (Garett); four grandchildren Kelsie Barnes (Dylan), Jacob Black (Chelsea), Makenzie Gates, Madilyn Gates; three great-grandchildren Kayden, Kolten, Kooper; two brothers Carl Telano (Bonnie), and William Telano (Gayla); one sister Jeanette Cramer; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services in her honor will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Knowles Baptist Church in Strong, AR, Pastor Todd Thompson officiating, interment following at Pigeon Hill Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 6-8:00 PM Friday, August 8, 2025 at the church.