Obituary of Kathleen Ivers

Kathleen “Kathy” Marie (nee Pagel) Ivers, 81, of Fort Worth, Texas passed away on September 12, 2022. She was a devoted Traditional Catholic, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandma, great-grandma, and friend to many. Born in Muenster, Texas, on May 13, 1941, to Jerome and Gertrude (nee Roberg) Pagel and the oldest of three children.  She attended Sacred Heart Catholic school and later graduated from Muenster High School in 1959.  A passion for the arts, she studied fashion and interior design at North Texas State College in Denton, TX.  Eventually, she made her home in Fort Worth.

Always vowing to never marry, Kathy did not expect to meet her future husband and love of her life, Charles Henry Ivers, IV of Amarillo, TX through a local Catholic singles group, the Tri-C Club. Charlie was immediately smitten and proposed to Kathy on their second date.  While she did not immediately say, “Yes,” Charlie was persistent and six months later they were married on November 30, 1968.

In their 52 years together, they had five children and shared the loss of a beloved child, Nicole Lynn at the young age of 7.  Kathy was a devoted wife and stay-at-home mom sacrificing so much of herself for her husband and children.  Kathy’s hobbies included:  baking, arts and crafts, painting ceramics, crocheting, scrapbooking, landscaping, home decor, reading, watching movies, and continuing her education in her faith.  Her legacy will always be remembered in her beautifully crafted scrapbooks which she created for her children and grandchildren.  Kathy loved to share stories of her life.  More importantly, she was a great listener and friend to all, including animals.  Kathy had a special affection for dogs and the love was reciprocated.  Max, her loyal companion, will miss his faithful friend. 

Kathy was an exceptional baker and cook.  Her children will fondly remember Mom laboring in the kitchen for days prepping for the Christmas holidays.  Cookies were baked by the dozen and stored neatly in the pantry.  Fudge, Divinity, Rock Candy were shared with friends.  Banana bread and zucchini bread were whipped up by the double batch and distributed to the neighbors with a bow.  However, the most talked about treat was her “Texas Trash”, also known as party mix.  Furthermore, her children will fondly remember her specialty cut-out cakes made for the annual fall festival and birthday cakes!  Although, recipes have been shared, no one will ever make pork loin or German potato salad quite like Mom. 

Kathy’s parents inspired her love of travel.  When she was a child, a week’s vacation could easily turn into a month-long journey -- popping in on friends and family across the US.  Later in life, she looked forward to her trips to visit her daughter’s family in Louisiana, Ohio and Northern Virginia -- enjoying historical sights, museums, and antique shops whenever possible.  In addition, she enjoyed traveling with her son to Florida and other destinations. 

Kathy’s example and devotion to her faith inspired others to follow.  Kathy loved going to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days and was very devoted to Our Lady and her daily rosary. She attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in North Richland Hills. She is survived by her brothers, John and Richard “Dick” Pagel, daughters, Donna Martinez (Rob), Theresa Kleeman (Mark), Janet Etheridge (Kevin), and son, Carl Ivers (Kelly); nine grandchildren, Brandon, Alyssa, Andrew, and Gemma Kleeman; Caleb, Adam, Loren, and Madalyn Etheridge; Courtney Lloyd (Dylan); and great-grandchildren Paisley and Ella Lloyd. Kathy was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Nicole; her parents, Jerome and Gertie Pagel, her in-laws, Charles and Evelyne, and her sister-in-law, Mary Lou Roberts.

Funeral arrangements include a Visitation from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, September 16 with Rosary starting at 7 pm at Thompson Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 4350 River Oaks Blvd., River Oaks, TX 76114.  On Friday morning, starting at 9:30 am, Rosary, followed by prayers outside the church and then a Mass of Christian Burial presided by Fr. Thomas Asher from 10:00-11:30 at Our Lady of Mount Caramel Roman Catholic Church, 3900 Scruggs Dr., North Richland Hills, TX 76180.

Interment to follow (approximately at 1:30) at Sacred Heart Cemetery, at Sixth and Pecan Street, Muenster, TX 76252.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to:  St. Anthony’s Academy.  10201 Main Street, Ste 125, Fairfax, VA 22030, Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 5801 Mt. Carmel Drive, Arlington, TX 76017, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 713 Main Street, Muenster, TX 76252, and/or Our Lady of Clear Creek Abbey, 5804 W. Monastery Rd. Hubert OK 74441.