Cathy Vinyard

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

‘As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep.
I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.’
~ Ezekiel 34:12

Cathy passed away at 5:02 p.m. on April 2, 2021. She was born on January 6, 1952 to Veril Loren and Lena Mae Lombard at McCune-Brooks Hospital in Carthage, MO.

Cathy was preceded in leaving this world by her father, Veril, and mother, Lena; brother, Veril Lombard, Jr.; sister, Gail Rose (Gail); eldest son, Lee Britton Fredrick; daughter, Heather Norella Coblentz; granddaughter, Kendra Fredrick.

She is survived by her son, Jaxon Andrew Fredrick; daughter, Janissa Clarice Fredrick; step-daughter, Andrea LeAnn Waldo; step-daughter, Crystal Michelle Alexander; step-son, Eric Wayne Vinyard. Grandchildren being, Britton James Fredrick (Colorado), Devon Fredrick (Louisiana), Brandy Fredrick (New York), Johnny Coblentz (Oklahoma), Zachary Hill (Joplin, MO), Robbie Coston (Joplin), Taylen Fredrick (Joplin), Emily Seeley (Kansas), step-grandchildren; Connor Fredricks, Brianna Vinyard, Leona Alexander. Also, Cathy was proud of her eight beautiful great-grandchildren.

I, her husband, Fred Luther Vinyard, Jr., survive my precious, beautiful wife.

She spent her childhood in Verona and Monett, MO. At the age of 16, her family moved to Joplin, where she attended Memorial High School. She and John Fredrick, of Webb City, MO., were married on March 3, 1969. While attending Missouri Southern State College, she earned 128 hours, majoring in Business and Theatre Arts. Being a life-long learner, she was a beloved mentor to many. Cathy’s impeccable memory allowed her to acquire knowledge into too many subjects for listing. She was a kind, selflessly giving mother, lovingly devoted wife and a magnanimous person towards all people.

‘Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.’
~ Hebrews 13:16

‘And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.’
~ Philippians 4:19

She remained calm in all situations and, for this reason, could comfort and bring security to folks. With her ability for conversation and confidence in herself, she could talk to prince or pauper alike, making each person feel important.

For many years in the 1980s to the early ‘90s, she was the Food Service Director of Freeman Hospital in Joplin. Besides the duties of patient and cafeteria services, she was the creator and organizer for fine dining events. In her personal life, she was an excellent cook with a great array of know-how for even obscure ingredients. As well, she knew the uses of good wines.

Some of her personal interests and hobbies were: birdwatching, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, history, novels and non-fiction books, fishing, hiking, camping, photography, guns, sewing, cooking and travel. Cathy could tell great stories and loved intelligent, good humor. For a good life, material possessions were not her drive; but people, wisdom, knowledge and the Lord Jesus Christ were the importance. Cathy confessed Jesus Christ as her Savior at the age of 12, near Monett, MO.

For over 25 years, there was not one day that I did not hear her voice, I will miss our conversations. I and very many others miss you for the rest of our time here. I hope to meet you again and share some company with you in our Heavenly Father’s Eternity.

‘MUCH MAY BE DONE - in those little shreds and patches of time, which every day produces, and which most men throw away, but which nevertheless will make at the end of it no small deduction from the life of man.’
~ Colton

‘LIFE IS EARNEST - Live as though life was earnest, and life will be so.’
~ Owen Meredith

Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2021 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation immediately following the service.