With rejoicing in her faith and gratitude for her life, we announce that Katherine JoAnn Hankey went to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ on March 9, 2026, at the age of 93. Katherine was born on July 27, 1932, in Springfield, Missouri, the 9^th of 10 children to Warren and Neva McVay.

Katherine graduated from Central High School in 1950. She met her husband, Willis Hankey, at Central Bible Institute. They married on June 25, 1952, and had two children, Terry Lynn and Jana Gayle. Together they pastored several churches in Wyoming, Kansas, and Missouri. Katherine was involved in several ministries of the church, including leading Christmas plays and Vacation Bible School. They moved to Springfield, MO in 1970 and were instrumental in starting the Adult and Teen Challenge Ministry in Branson West, MO to help those struggling with addictions.

Katherine was a homemaker the majority of her life, but when finances got tight, she worked at Zenith Corporation and the Assemblies of God National Office.

Katherine helped organize several McVay family reunions, which included singing around the campfire, or sitting around the table recalling old memories and making new memories with family. Katherine made beautiful quilts which she gifted to friends and family. In her later years, she was known as the “puzzle lady”, as there wasn’t a puzzle she couldn’t put together. She went for daily walks and never missed a church service, until her health kept her from attending. Throughout her life, Katherine was a prayer warrior, embodied kindness and compassion, touching the hearts of all who knew her.

Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Neva McVay, her husband Willis, her son, Terry, and seven of her 10 siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Jana (Hankey) Maruszak and spouse Steve, daughter-in-law LuAnn Hankey, five grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate Katherine’s life will be held on March 20, 2026, at 1 PM at White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Springfield. Family and friends are invited to gather and share their memories of Katherine in a ceremony that reflects her spirit and love for those around her.