Kathryn Dougherty

Hastings resident Kathryn Elaine Edwards Dougherty passed away on November 26, 2017 at the age of 93 at The Heritage at College View, Hastings, Nebraska.



Kathryn was born July 24, 1924, to Ira and Nora Edwards in Shenandoah, Iowa. She graduated from Shenandoah High School. Kathryn attended Missouri State Teachers College and taught at 3 one-room schoolhouses in the mid 1940s.



On June 6, 1946, Kathryn married Lester Dougherty, following his return from service with the United States Navy during World War II. They loved each other dearly and had recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family and friends.



For 27 years Kathryn assisted Lester with his Culligan Soft Water businesses in Cozad, Hastings, Red Cloud and Blue Hill. Kathryn and Lester were active members of the First United Methodist Church and were Parish Callers for the church for many years. Their family is very proud of all that they accomplished during their lifetimes.



Kathryn was a kind and caring parent to their 3 daughters and a loving grandmother to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nothing made her happier than to open her home to their friends and their childrens friends. It was a red letter day when their daughters and families came home. The house was always filled with music and laughter.



Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Glen Edwards and Dale Edwards, and sister Evelyn Ross.



Kathryns family included 3 daughters, Debra (Tom) Johnson of Ames, IA; Jane (Robert) Ripper of Aurora, CO and Marcia ( and the late John) LaPorte of Denver, CO; 7 grandchildren, Amanda (Brett) Hoffman, Oskaloosa, IA; Ira (Robyn) Johnson, Conifer, CO; Ethan Johnson, Lakewood, CO; Kathryn Johnson, Lakewood, CO; Susan (William) Schlotter, San Francisco, CA; Samuel (Jamie) LaPorte, Richmond, VA, and Benjamin LaPorte, Missoula, MT. There are 5 great-grandchildren, Noah and Max Hoffman, Finley and Lola Johnson, and Theodore Schlotter.



A family memorial service will be held at a future date. Apfel Funeral Home, Hastings is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com.