Catherine Herl

Catherine "Cathy" Herl, age 69, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, of Kingman, Kansas formerly of Hays, Kansas passed away at the Prairie Home in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, on September 13, 2024. She was born on October 11, 1954, in Hays to Peter and Cora (Zimmerman) Arnold. 

From her earliest years, Cathy embodied the spirit of hard work, taking on responsibilities at her father's cafe, Pete's Cafe in downtown Hays. This foundation of dedication served her well as she later took on roles such as Food Service Manager at the Good Samaritan Society and worked at South McDonald's in Hays. Her unwavering commitment to her work was always evident, but it never overshadowed her love for people. Cathy was truly a conversationalist at heart; she had an innate ability to connect with others, always eager to lend an ear or share a story.

A proud graduate of Hays High School, Class of 1972, Cathy carried the values of her early life into her adulthood. She shared her life with her husband, Kenneth Herl of Kingman, and cherished her role as a mother to her two daughters, Shelly Herl Dreher (Ryan) of Hays and Amy Herl Bell (Marty) of Kingman. The family was the focal point of Cathy's life, and she found no greater joy than being a devoted grandmother of Austin Bell (CeCe), Mackenzie Bell, Parker Dreher, Brody Bell, Mason Dreher, and Presley Dreher who lit up her life with their laughter and achievements, and Cathy loved attending their sporting events to cheer them on.

Cathy was passionate about life and enriched it with her hobbies: camping, fishing, and shopping were activities she relished, but nothing compared to her love for talking on the phone, where she could keep in touch with her many friends and family members. Her warm personality and caring nature endeared her to all.

Though Cathy is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Ken Arnold, her spirit will continue to live on through the loving memories she created with her family and friends. The legacy of her kindness, hard work, and love for life will forever be remembered by those she touched.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor, Kansas. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine in Hays. A family led rosary service will be at 7 PM followed by a parish vigil.

Cathy Herl leaves behind a legacy of love, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Prairie Sunset Home in Pretty Prairie or to Kingman USD 331 where a scholarship will be awarded for a student entering healthcare.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Cathy’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com