Kate Marie Barnes
April 24, 2019 – June 24, 2024
Kate Marie Barnes, our Kitty Kate, passed away on June 24, 2024, at Children’s Hospital in Omaha, after succumbing to injuries received in a car accident on Friday, June 21st. Kate was five years old and leaves behind a legacy of smiles, laughter, joy and life-giving donations of her heart, liver, pancreas, intestines, and kidneys to save the lives of other children.
Kate was a proud graduate of Cody Elementary preschool and had plans to conquer and control Harvey Oaks Elementary with her beautiful, vivacious, determined, stubborn, wild, fancy, sassy, and selfless personality. She had dreams of becoming a mother and pursuing a career as a lunch lady. Kate had a passion for life! She had opinions and those opinions were known to all. She had no problem saying when she didn’t agree with someone or something. She could often be found riding her scooter, playing with her dolls, reading books, coloring, playing with any dog or cat that would let her, dancing, singing songs, running through the house, making chocolate milk, playing dress up, playing all sorts of silly games with her best friends, putting on her mom’s make up, or going on adventures with dad (whether it’s getting groceries or going hiking). She loved fiercely. She loved babies and other children. She loved Jesus.
Kate has been preceded in death by many loving family members: great grandparents Stanley Barnes of Ashland, Nebraska, Bill and Joyce Smith of Altus, Oklahoma, Rich Norris of Avoca, Nebraska, and Gordon and Eloise Steiner of Henderson, Iowa; grand aunts and uncles Rick Barnes of Yutan, Nebraska, Jeff Smith of Altus, Oklahoma, Debi Smith-Abernethy of Altus, Oklahoma, Scott Norris of Avoca, Nebraska, Kay (Lowell) Steiner Roberts of Yakima, Washington, and Steve Steiner of Henderson, Iowa.
Kate is survived by her parents Michael and Emily Barnes; older sisters Lyla and Elise Barnes; grandparents Jeff and Susan Barnes and Steve and Mary Norris all of Omaha, Nebraska; great grandmothers Cynthia Barnes of Ashland, Nebraska, and Eileen Norris of Lincoln, Nebraska; aunts and uncles Christopher (Jeny) Barnes of Papillion, Nebraska, Jesan (Nagender) Barnes-Kaushik of Austin, Texas, Megan (Brandon) Jacobsen of Omaha, Matt (Megan) Norris of Omaha, Nebraska, and David Norris of Omaha, Nebraska; cousins Lucy Barnes, Gwen Barnes, Ishaan Kaushik, Carter Jacobsen, Grayson Jacobsen, Ellie Norris, and Logan Norris; grand aunts and grand uncles Alan Barnes, Patrick (Andrea) Barnes, Rodger Barnes, Gary Smith, Dave Norris, Dixie Steiner, Lewis (Judy) Steiner, Susan (Doug) Deitchler, and Phillip Steiner; a large extended family of second cousins and many friends.
Family will receive friends on Monday, July 1st, from 5-8PM at West Center Chapel.
Funeral Services: Tuesday, July 2nd, 11AM at Dundee Presbyterian Church (5312 Underwood Ave.)
Private Interment
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
12 Comments
My heart breaks for your family Emily, there are no words to express my condolences. I send hugs and healing thoughts.
I will never forget Kate’s smile and her amazing laugh. I will miss her so much. I am so very blessed I got to know her. She is a hero! I hope God gives you peace and comfort during this very difficult time.
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family
Emily and family, we are so incredibly sorry for the loss of your sweet, precious daughter, Kate. Please know we are sending our thoughts and prayers. May your faith and wonderful memories help you through this most difficult time and the years to come. Jay and Teresa Jenkins (Cody’s parents)
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t begin to imagine what you’re all going through right now. May you find peace in her life-giving legacy.
Words cannot express the sorrow I am feeling for you and your family in the death of your daughter. I just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time..
My heart breaks for you and your family. What a beautiful gift of donation you have given. Kitty Kate lives on!
No elder person (let alone a parent, elder sibling, or any other elder relative) should ever have to send off a younger child on their way to the end of their time in this world. My heart is very heavy on this day
Although Kitty Kate may no longer be with us in this world she will never truly be gone so long as we remember her and continually honor life with our deeds and by being the kind of person she would be proud to call friend, mother, father, sister, aunt, uncle, family, loved one
My heart breaks for Michael, Emily, and for all of Kate’s family. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you. He is taking care of your precious Kitty Kate until you can be reunited. My prayers are with you.
My heart is filled with sadness. May God bless you and wrap his arms around you and your family and give comfort though these most difficult times.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Kate was such a sweet little girl. Many prayers for you all.
Emily & Michael,
Emily to know you is to love you and to know how dearly you love your babies. From another mother I cannot pretend to grasp what you are facing and I know there’s no word, phrase or hug that will take your pain away. You have an army behind you and I hope you utilize them and allow yourself to be vulnerable and spend your time with your family. Please reach out. Sending you so much love always
The Kenkel Family
Sign Guestbook