Obituary of Kathy Ann Cheek

Kathy (Kate) Ann Cheek Tucson, Arizona February 28, 1952 - April 30, 2019 Kathy Ann (Kate) Cheek, age 67, passed away peacefully and returned to her heavenly home on April 30, 2019 after a brief illness. Born on February 28, 1952 in Davenport, Iowa to Glen "Bud" and Carol Lee, Kathy was educated in Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Davenport. She attended Assumption High School and graduated in 1970. With nursing as her chosen profession, Kathy studied at Franciscan School of Nursing and earned her RN in 1974, which led to a rewarding career of serving others for over 30 years. While Kathy worked in various nursing capacities, she always said her favorite work was emergency room nursing. Kathy went on to have two daughters; Gretchen and Lindsay, who were also educated in Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Davenport. Eventually, all three moved to the Kansas City area, where Kathy enjoyed watching both of her daughters get married. After a few years, Kathy relocated to Tucson, Arizona to be near her youngest daughter, whose husband serves in the U.S. Air Force. Her presence played an important role during several of his deployments. Kathy had five grandchildren, and dearly loved spending as much time with them as possible. To them, she was known as "Mimi." In addition to her family and career, Kathy loved crafts and sewing. She made exceptional cakes and candies, and even baked both of her daughters' wedding cakes. She was also a gifted seamstress; sewing, mending, and crocheting countless clothing items and accessories over the years. Cross stitching was also a favorite, and many family milestones are commemorated with her framed creations. Animals always had a home with Kathy. For her entire life, many dogs, cats, and even a parrot were her faithful companions. Her other passions included collecting antiques, honoring public servants (especially veterans and police officers), and having lively discussions about current events and her favorite TV shows with friends near and far. In recent years, she also advocated for autism awareness in honor of one of her grandsons. Kathy is survived by her daughters, Gretchen Hornsby and Lindsay Barry, her sons-in-law, Will Hornsby and Zachary Barry, her sister, Susan Luse, her five grandchildren: Alex Hornsby, Andrew Hornsby, Lilliann Barry, Ayden Barry, and ZoeyLee Barry, and her niece and nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, Glen "Bud" Lee, Jr. and Carol Ann Lee. In memory of Kathy, donations to the Autism Society of Southern Arizona are welcome.