Kathryn Rich Gardner Fisher

Kathryn Rich Gardner Fisher, age 95, of Springfield, Missouri, passed peacefully from this life into the welcoming arms of Jesus on October 12, 2022, at the Strafford Care Center. Kathryn was born to Silas Campbell Gardner and Rosa Bell (Rich) Gardner on July 29, 1927, in the small town of Winona, Missouri. She graduated from Winona High School in 1945. After graduating from high school, Kathryn was employed by the Jones Telephone Company in Winona. She was later united in marriage to Don Fisher in 1966. For the next twenty years, she and her husband owned and operated State Line Airport in Kansas City, Kansas. She was blessed with a son, Ron Reese. Kathryn was gainfully employed throughout her adult life including fourteen years at Southwestern Bell Telephone (now AT&T). While there, Kathryn worked her way from an entry-level position to Chief Operator. After leaving Southwestern Bell Telephone, Kathryn proudly served many years as Governor Christopher “Kit” Bond’s social secretary. Her genuine love of people, combined with her skills of social engagement, contributed significantly to her success within the governor’s office. After serving in the governor’s office, Kathryn worked as the Executive Secretary for Pastoral Services at Cox Medical Center. She would later take on many important volunteer duties at James River Church in Ozark. She loved her church family beyond measure and spent countless hours contributing to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Her mission trips to China and Central America were life-changing spiritual events that brought her immense fulfillment. In her free time, Kathryn loved to read the Bible, listen to Glen Miller and other Big Band musicians, and socialize with her friends, especially those belonging to the Order of the Eastern Star. Kathryn’s greatest passion was loving and caring for her family. Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and nine siblings. She is survived by her son, Ron Reese, and her grand- son, James Reese, both of Marshfield, Missouri. A celebration of life service for Kathryn Rich Gardner Fisher is scheduled for Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 10:00 am, at James River Church South in Ozark, Missouri (6100 N 19th Street). Following the celebration of life service, Kathryn will be laid to rest in her hometown of Winona, Missouri, at Pine Lawn Cemetery (18611 Cemetery Road)