Kathryn Pauline Lauderback

Kathryn Pauline Lauderback (nee Godwin) peacefully passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at age 96. Kathryn (Kay) was born in Redfield, Iowa on November 10, 1928 to the late Lloyd Godwin and the late Mary Campbell Godwin. She grew up in a rural area of Iowa and spent most of her youth on the farm with her parents and her late brother, Eugene Godwin and late sister Betty Godwin Yohe. After completing Morning Sun High School she began working in town. This is where she caught Paul Lauderback's eye. It was love at first sight for Paul. He wooed her; she fell in love too; they married in 1950. Paul and Kay moved to Des Moines while Paul attended and graduated from Drake University. After moving to Chicago, Illinois for Paul's job they had their first child, Michael in 1954 and then Patrick in 1956. Kay was a do-er and known to get things done. She made friends easily because of her warmth, generosity and quick smile. Kay looked at the bright side of life and no matter the challenge she would say, "Things could be worse!" Kay and Paul were married for 61 wonderful years. They shared many passions including but not limited to gardening, golfing, camping, RVing, and traveling. Kay and Paul had many exciting and unique adventures together. They loved meeting people and making new friends as well as sharing their pictures and regaling us with their humorous and fun-filled stories. Kay had a love for life and an unyielding positivity. She was courageous, kind, funny, inspirational, and showed us that we can accomplish anything with persistence and determination. The deep relationships that Kay formed with family and friends were from the heart. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Michael NMN Lauderback (Pam), Patrick Alan Lauderback (Beth Ann), her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, her nieces and nephews, and many friends. A memorial Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 25 at Jay B Smith Funeral Home from 2 - 4 p.m. with a service following at 4:00 pm. Kay's loss is deeply felt by all those who knew and loved her. Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience, and kindness in those whose lives she touched.

Kathryn Pauline Lauderback

November 10, 1928 - January 16, 2025