Kathryn Kay Dawson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kathryn Kay Dawson who died peacefully in her home at Meridian Gardens in Columbus, Nebraska on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. She was surrounded by her wonderful caretakers and her son. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Kathryn, was a shining light to all that knew her.

Kathryn was born on December 27, 1950. She was raised in Arapahoe, NE where she went to high school and married her high school sweetheart, Roy Dawson. They married on May 7, 1972, at Trinity Lutheran Church and lived on the farm north of Arapahoe to raise their family. Kathryn dedicated her life to raising her children and caring for others. She put others’ needs above her own. Whether it was a delicious meal, a listening ear, or a comforting hug, she had the ability to make everyone feel special. Her selflessness and unwavering compassion made her a natural caregiver. Her love was boundless; she cherished every moment she spent with her family, instilling in them values of kindness, generosity, and strength.

Kathryn is preceded in death by her husband, Roy Dawson, her parents, Kenneth and Ardeth Schutz, her infant brother David Schutz, and brother Dale Schutz, her mother and father-in-law Lowell and Lois Dawson, her brother-in-law Stan Johnson, nephew Michael Borden Jr. and her great nephew Alec Koller.

Kathryn is survived by her daughter Renee and James Lighthall of Cozad, NE and their two boys Jackson and Cole of Kearney, NE. Her son Aaron and Angela Dawson of Columbus, NE and their two children Jacob and Grace, and her daughter Kasi Dawson of Columbus, NE, brother Doug and Cheryl Schutz of Arapahoe, NE, sister Rhonda and Mike Borden of Holdrege, NE, and sisters-in-law Glenda Schutz, Kay and Wayne Farr, and Karen Johnson, brother-in-law Richard and Barb Dawson, and many nieces and nephews. Her legacy of love and selflessness will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her.