Leta Kay “Katie” Arnold, age 73, went to her heavenly home on Monday, January 18, 2021.

Katie was born on September 23, 1947, to Willis and Joyce Arnold. She lived the majority of her life in Springfield, Missouri. She graduated from Hillcrest High School and Draughon Business College.

Katie’s lifelong commitment to her Savior included service as church cook, secretary, and treasurer. She was very musically talented and loved to sing for the congregation. She also taught a variety of youth and adult classes. She loved to teach from the book of Hosea and encourage others to dig deeper in their understanding of the gospel of Christ. For many years she attended Grace Foursquare Church where she participated extensively in the music ministry. She carried her music ministry to Brookhaven nursing home where she created a music program that included many choir performances.

Katie retired after many years of work as Secretary for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, with specific support duties for Green Valley School for the Severely Disabled. She enjoyed the opportunity this job gave her to serve her students. Her service extended beyond administrative duties and included personal connections and compassion for the students and staff at Green Valley.

Katie made the most of her time at Brookhaven by serving as President of the Resident Body, creating and publishing a residents’ newsletter, managing the music program, and teaching craft and cooking classes. She was happiest when teaching and serving others.

Katie also enjoyed reading, visiting state parks and other outdoor venues, swimming in local lakes, feeding geese with her grandchildren, and researching her family history.

Katie was preceded in death by her father, Willis E. Arnold; brother, Stanley Arnold; and several cousins and other relatives and friends whom she loved dearly.

Survivors include her mother, Joyce Ellis; children Cindy Stone, Raymond R. Ozley (Lorrie), Terry A. Ozley (Christine), John G. Ozley (Esther), grandchildren Allie (Justin), Joretta, Nick (Devon), Ryan (Victoria), Dominique, Katie, Jacob, and Elizabeth; two great grandchildren on the way; brother David (Shelly) Arnold; sister-in-law Janice Arnold; and nieces and nephews Kittery, Rance, Amy, Jessica, and Josh.

Services to be held on January 21, 2021 at Grace Church on Plainview Road in Springfield, Missouri, and interment at Greenlawn North.

The family asks that in lieu flowers you take some time with your family and visit a state park. Enjoy God’s wonderful gift of the outdoors and an old fashion picnic in Katie’s memory.