Catherine Louise Kephart, lovingly known as Cathy, passed away on September 18, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, September 27th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the South Shelter at McHenry Park, 1012 Oak Park Ave., Des Moines, Iowa. We will provide the main dish and her favorite side dish, coleslaw, as well as water; for any other drinks, please bring your own (No alcohol allowed in the park). If you have a memory, picture, or farewell letter to share, we will provide a memorial board.

She was born on August 7, 1955, in Des Moines and remained deeply connected to Iowa throughout her life. Cathy grew up in Iowa and was raised as an Irish twin, a part of the family experience that helped shape her early years. Over the course of her life, she married and moved to Hawaii, later moved to Kentucky and then back to Iowa, and also moved to Leon. She raised her family in Davis City and Leon, building her life around those she loved most. Her family was at the center of her life. Cathy stayed home to raise her family, giving her time and care to her children during their younger years. After her children were older, she worked at the hospital, and later she worked as a security guard in Des Moines, Iowa.

In every season of life, she was known as a happy person, and she was also very much a homebody, finding comfort and contentment in the familiar rhythms of home and family.

Cathy enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought beauty and peace to her days. She liked diamond art, gardening, and yard work, and she enjoyed camping as well. She was also an annual donor to the Sheriff's Association. At home, she spent time watching television, especially Criminal Minds, CSI, and documentaries.

She is survived by her children, daughter Lavon (Nick Tieskotter) Franz, and son Michael (Sheryl) Kephart. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, RJ Sholley, Hope Bosely and her husband Destyn, Shawn Franz, and Kyle Franz; her great-grandchildren, Kali Bosely, Bo Bosely, Carter Bosely, and Isaiah Robert Dean Carte; and her siblings, Carla Ransom, Martie Ramos, James Hohl, and Henry Hohl. She will be remembered with love by each of them and by all who shared in her life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Hohl; her mother, Mary Holsopple; and her brother, Tom Hohl.

Cathy’s life was grounded in family, home, and the everyday joys she cherished. She leaves behind memories of warmth, resilience, and happiness that will remain with those who knew and loved her.

Wear something pink in honor of Cathy Kephart, as pink was her favorite color. Dress in casual, comfortable clothing and wear something pink in honor of Cathy Kephart, as pink was her favorite color.