Kitty Severn

(From Midland Cremation Society)

Kitty (Velma Ruth) Severn

Surrounded by her loving family at home, Mom left us on Thursday, March 7, 2024 after a full life of 98 years, 7 months. She was the matriarch of our family and all will miss her dearly. We will hold her in our hearts forever. Kitty is also greatly missed by the 18-year-old family chihuahua Cisco.

She was born in Joplin, Missouri on September 24, 1925 to Ollie and Lucy Blanche (Reed) Markham. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, her loving husband of 64 years, Earl “Dean” Severn. Kitty and Dean were childhood neighbors and later were married after World War II.

She was a very vibrant outgoing person who never met a stranger. Very community minded, she was loved by so many. As a young woman, she and her husband Dean owned and operated a small country store at Belleville in Joplin, Missouri. She was very active in her local church and was a Sunday school teacher.

She also was a popular troop leader in Girl Scouts with her daughters and when they moved to the country, she became involved in the local 4-H with all four of her children. She was a lifetime member of the Missouri Extension Club where she taught home skills and helped many in the community that were in need.

Kitty worked at many places during her lifetime. Among her favorites were Sears and Wilders Steakhouse in Joplin. Later she worked in Neosho, Missouri for McClintock's IGA Grocery and also McGinty's Department Store. Coming out of retirement, she and Dean worked alongside her daughter and husband who ran the Bon Appetit catering business for many years.

She was a fantastic cook, a Jeopardy fan who knew ALL the answers,wrote beautiful poetry, loved music and was a wonderful correspondent writing daily cards and letters to a large circle of family and friends. She found peace and strength in nature and often wrote poems about the beauty and serenity she found outdoors.

She is survived by:

Three daughters, Cheri Allen, Lana Severn (Scott Carter), Ginger Grum (Joseph) and one son, Alan Severn (Bonnie).

Seven grandchildren, Shannon Phillips (Doug), Bill Allen, Samantha Carter, Kristina Brown (Keith), Diana Grum, Bobby Severn (Katarina) and Alyssa Severn.

Seven Great-Grandchildren: Ashley, Noah, Joy, Tabitha, Faith, Katie and Rebekah.

Mom will be remembered by her wit, humor and straightforward unfiltered opinions. If you met Kitty, chances are you will never forget her. A memorial service will be held 3 pm April 12, 2024 at Forest Park Church, 725 South Highview Avenue, Joplin, Missouri, 64801, reception to follow. Friends and family are welcome to share a memory online at Kitty Severn’s tribute at MidlandCremation.com.

In lieu of flowers, and in memory of her beloved husband, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Association. Your donations will make a difference in the lives of many by supporting people, research and care and are tax deductible.