https://holtboydcatholic.org/kayshoemaker A Funeral Mass for Catherine (Kay) Shoemaker age 87, of Chambers, Nebraska will be 10:30 am Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill, Nebraska.  Burial will be at the Chambers Cemetery at a later date.  Visitation will be Monday, July 1, 2024 from 5-7 pm with a Parish Rosary at 7:00 pm at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.  Kay passed away peacefully after a large stroke on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill surrounded by loved ones.  Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill are in charge of arrangements.

Catherine Jean Martin was born on May 22, 1937 in O'Neill, Nebraska to William and Irene (Phillips) Martin.  She grew up in O'Neill and graduated from St. Mary's School in 1955.

Kay had one son, Joseph "Joe" James Hanley III from a previous marriage and later married Gail "Red" Shoemaker.  They made their home in Chambers, Nebraska.  Red passed away suddenly in 2008 followed by Joe a few months later after an 8-year battle with ALS.

Kay leaves to mourn, one sister Judy Shaw; granddaughter, Christy (Colter) Bowers and her great granddaughter Freyja.  She leaves behind many nieces and nephews as well as most of the Chambers community who will remember her fondly.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Red; son Joe; two brothers, Don and Ed; three sisters, Margaret, Mary, and Ann.

Kay enjoyed working in the yard, crocheting, reading, and spending time with family, her granddaughter Christy and her great granddaughter whom Gramma Kay called "lil punkin". To know Kay was to love her.  There is no sweeter smile, infectious laugh, or greater love of shopping than had by Kay.  Everyone will be happy to know that she will indeed be buried in her signature hot pink Sketchers.  Her fantastic ability to tell a story will be missed by all.

Kay dedicated her life to her Lord and her church at St. Patrick's.  If you were lucky, you could hear her beautiful singing voice during Mass. Towards the end of her life her faith was practiced through church service on TV and faithfully praying the rosary every night.  Her loved ones know she is beyond happy to officially meet her Savior in the Great Kingdom she now calls home.