Delores Emma Katt, 90, of Grainfield, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026

She was born August 2, 1935, in Gove County, Kansas, to Michael and Marianne (Kuntz) Heier. Delores was the youngest of seven siblings and was raised in the Grinnell area.

On September 25, 1956, she was united in marriage to Leroy Thomas Katt. Their marriage of nearly 69 years was filled with hard work, laughter, family, and a shared love of polka music. In the early days, Leroy was not always warmly welcomed by Delores' protective brothers, who were unsure about a "wild Katt boy" dancing up a storm at polka dances. However, Delores' determined spirit made it clear that Leroy was there to stay, and over time the family bonds grew strong.

The couple made their home on a farm south of Grainfield, where they raised their three sons: Gerald, Dennis, and David.

Delores devoted her life to her family as a farm wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was known for her strong work ethic, her warm kitchen, and her ability to transform leftovers into an entirely new meal with what her family jokingly called her famous "dump and pour" cooking style. Supper was always ready—and you were expected to finish everything on your plate.

Her home was always kept spotless, and she had little patience for dirt being tracked into the house. Her boys knew that muddy shoes or dirty pants often came with the warning, "You wait until your dad gets home."

Delores had a special gift for gardening. Her gardens were always lush, full, and plentiful, and she took great pride in sharing their beauty with visitors. She also enjoyed passing down traditions and knowledge to her grandchildren—whether it was picking strawberries with Jordan, teaching Clint to pull weeds, baking chocolate chip cookies, raising baby chicks, preparing harvest meals with Curtis, or spending time in the kitchen with Makena making breakfast.

Her later years were filled with teasing, laughter, and cherished moments with her family. Even the famous chocolate chip cookies became part of family humor, as the grandchildren seemed to find them much easier than anyone else, often leaving only a few behind for the rest.

Delores especially cherished her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and Leroy also enjoyed attending polka celebrations, whether dancing at weddings or simply listening to polka music together. She was an active member of St. Agnes Catholic Church Ladies Organization.

She is survived by her husband, Leroy Katt of Grainfield, Kansas; three sons, Gerald Katt and wife Shirlee of Grainfield, Kansas; Dennis Katt and wife Kathy of Grainfield, Kansas; and David Katt and wife Joann of Carbondale, Kansas; four grandchildren, Curtis Katt and wife Bethany of Grainfield, Kansas; Clinton Katt of Salina, Kansas; Jordan Katt of Grainfield, Kansas; and Makena Katt of Dodge City, Kansas; and three great-grandchildren, Nora Katt, Evan Katt, and Halle Katt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Marianne (Kuntz) Heier; four sisters, Julia Zerr, Agnes Kinderknecht, Anastasia "Daisy" Fellhoelter, and Lorena Heier; and three brothers, Pius Heier, William Heier, and Linus Heier.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on March 7, 2026, at Grainfield Cemetery, Grainfield, Kansas 67737, with Stan Smith Officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Gove County Medical Center Transportation or Christian Mothers of Grainfield and may be mailed to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.schmittfuneral.com.

VIDEO RECORDING OF THE SERVICE