Catherine “Katie” Eberle, 103, of WaKeeney, KS, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care, surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived. She was born on June 22, 1923, in Trego County, KS, to John and Thresia (Augustine) Weber, Sr.

On September 23, 1941, she married Alfred “Fritz” Eberle at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ellis, KS. Together they shared nearly 31 years of marriage before Fritz preceded her in death on July 14, 1972. Following Fritz's passing, Katie continued farming south of Ogallah until 1976, when she moved to WaKeeney. There she built a new chapter of her life while continuing to devote herself to her family, faith, and community.

After moving to WaKeeney, Katie worked at Robert's Plant & Flower, Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital, and Trego-WaKeeney State Bank. Throughout the years, she found creative ways to help support her growing family. She made beautiful wedding flowers, baked countless wedding cakes, and prepared homemade noodles for local grocery stores, continuing her work until retiring at the remarkable age of 90. When she first began baking wedding cakes in 1951, times were difficult, and she could not afford cake pans. Instead, she resourcefully baked cakes in various-sized cardboard boxes, a testament to her determination, ingenuity, and unwavering work ethic.

Katie found great joy in cooking and baking for those she loved, expressing her care through every meal and homemade treat. Her kitchen was often the heart of the home, where family gathered, stories were shared, and love was served in abundance. She made countless wedding and birthday cakes for family and friends, generously sharing her talents and helping create treasured memories that will live on for generations. Her creative hands also lovingly crocheted two afghans for each of her fourteen children and one for every grandchild and great-grandchild, leaving each with a lasting reminder of her love.

She was deeply committed to serving her community. For many years, Katie volunteered with the Walk-A-Thon for Health Trego/Gove County and was a steadfast supporter of the rural fire department, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she was needed. She was a past member of the Better Farm Homes Club of Ogallah, the VFW Auxiliary of WaKeeney, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary of WaKeeney, and the Daughters of Isabella in Ellis. Her generous spirit and willingness to serve touched countless lives.

Katie was a faithful member of Christ the King Catholic Church, where she belonged to the Altar Rosary Society and devoted more than 30 years to caring for and beautifying her parish. She lovingly sewed church banners, washed and ironed altar linens, cared for the flowers and plants, organized candles, and assisted with countless details throughout the liturgical seasons. One of her greatest joys was seeing the church filled with beauty through the generosity of others, especially the year more than 900 donated daffodils adorned the sanctuary, followed by Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias in later years. She also treasured helping Fr. Joe Scheetz paint and decorate the home he purchased for his retirement, considering it one of her proudest accomplishments in service to her church.

Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life and guided her every day. She never went to bed without her musical rosary playing, and it was not uncommon to find her quietly seated during the day with rosary beads in hand, offering prayers for her family, friends, and all those in need. Sunday mornings held a special place in her heart, as she treasured gathering with her family for coffee after Mass, sharing stories, laughter, and the simple blessing of being together.

Katie will be remembered for her generous heart, unwavering faith, remarkable work ethic, servant's spirit, and the unconditional love she so freely shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Katie leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory, including her sons, LeRoy (Jacky) Eberle of WaKeeney, KS, Ken (Sherry) Eberle of Ellis, KS, Ron (Ellen) Eberle of Grainfield, KS, Mel (Gail) Eberle of Oakley, KS, Dennis (Marilyn) Eberle of WaKeeney, KS, Larry Eberle of WaKeeney, KS, and Terry (Kathy) Eberle of Cheyenne, WY; her daughters, Twila Bliss and her companion, Frank Kaiser, of WaKeeney, KS, Marilyn (Willie) Wildeman of WaKeeney, KS, Gloria Eberle and her companion, Ron Valigura, of Topeka, KS, Debbie (Mervyn) Sasso of Aurora, CO, and Bonnie (Bill) Windholz of WaKeeney, KS; her son-in-law, Floyd Weigel of WaKeeney, KS; 39 grandchildren; 97 great-grandchildren; 40 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and enduring presence.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Thresia Weber, Sr.; her husband, Alfred "Fritz" Eberle; her daughters, Sylvia (Victor) Kinderknecht and Linda Weigel; and her son-in-law, Glen Bliss.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 412 N. 9th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672. A Vigil Service will begin at 6:00 p.m., immediately followed by the Rosary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 703 Monroe Street, Ellis, KS 67637. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Walk-A-Thon for Health Trego/Gove County, Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care, or Mass Intentions, and may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.