Cathy Backs

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Cathy Jane Backs, of Lockwood, Missouri, departed this life on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Mercy Hospital Joplin at the age of 72.

Cathy attended Southwest Missouri State University earning both Bachelor and Master Degrees in social services. She went on to serve many years as a tireless advocate for the disabled community by helping disabled adults throughout Southwestern Missouri to live fulfilling, self-sufficient lives.

Her passion for helping others also extended to cats, dogs and animals of all kinds. She never met a stray pet that did not receive her care and concern and she spent her retirement years actively fostering and placing pets in good homes, if not adopting them herself.

Cathy was crucial in establishing and also serving on two non-profits boards, Tri-County Friends For Animals. Inc., and Grace The Earth, Inc. The latter non-profit organization was formed in 2011 in honor of her late mother, Grace Backs, to celebrate the beauty of nature, plant trees, and foster environmentally conscious living in Lockwood and surrounding communities.

Cathy was the beloved daughter of Grace and Theodore “Murphy” Backs of Lockwood, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Theodore “Ted” G. Backs, and sister, Rebekah “Becky” Backs. She is survived by her sister, Peggy (Backs) Roberts, and many nieces and nephews whom she doted on and planned special activities for during their childhoods. Nieces and nephews include Mitzi and Monte Scotten; Shawn, Nathan, and Jordan Maberry; Deidre and Erika Backs; Angela and Tobin Roberts, and Andrea Roberts Pierson.

In addition to her family, Cathy’s circle included a lifetime’s worth of friends, neighbors, fellow environmentalists and animal lovers in the community who helped and supported her in countless ways. Those who contributed to helping Cathy maintain her independence throughout the pandemic and beyond meant the world to her and to her family.

Please join Cathy’s relatives in celebrating her special life and contributions to the earth. Graveside memorial services will be held at Lockwood Cemetery at 10:30 AM on September 28, followed by a light lunch at the Backs farm down the road and east of the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Grace The Earth, Inc., and mailed to GTE President, Angela Roberts, 5686 Guilford Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220.