Kathy Shears

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Kathy Doreen (Robinson) Shears, age 70, passed away Friday, September 18, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Kathy was born July 9, 1956, in Long Beach, California. Her parents were Robert Darius Robinson and Dorothy Pearl Easley. She lived most of her life in Galena, Kansas, before making her home in Joplin, MO.

A proud member of the Riverton High School Class of 1974, Kathy brought joy and spirit to everyone around her as a cheerleader.

Kathy worked as a mail carrier and later as a clerk at the Galena, KS Post Office before becoming Postmaster in McCune, KS. She retired from the USPS after 25 years of service.

Kathy was married to Timothy Howard "Tim" Shears on June 25, 1976, in Baxter Springs, KS. He preceded her in death.

Additional survivors include her beloved daughter, Shannon Leigh Thomas (Brandon), Joplin; three treasured grandchildren, Colton Thomas, Grady Thomas, and Tristan Shears; her brother, Reverend Dave Robinson of Galena; her sister-in-law, Susan Ezell (Don) of Galena; nieces and nephews Jason Robinson (Katie), Jamie Robinson (Howie), Sammie Brueggemann (Josh), and Jeremy Ezell (Paige);as well as a rich circle of extended family, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends who held a special place in her heart.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was joyfully reunited with her son, T.J. Shears; her grandson, Tyler Rainey; and her sister-in-law, Mary Robinson.

Kathy was a member of Tennessee Prairie Church in Galena, KS, where she was proud to attend and hear her brother, Rev. Dave Robinson, preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. She lived a life of service, caring for anyone who needed it, even in her final years.

Kathy made everything better. She loved BIG and she brightened every room she entered. Her beauty and strength radiated onto all of her loved ones. She worked hard. She loved a good project, whether it was home decorating or working in the garden, and she had a gift for turning ordinary moments into occasions, dreaming up games for the kids at every holiday, sending nieces and nephews on scavenger hunts at sleepovers, and mailing packages that always included a handmade card and the newest stamps for the collection. She was easy to make laugh, and she was the biggest fan "all of her kids" ever had, always bragging about them to anyone who'd listen. She loved her grandsons and couldn’t be more proud of them

Above all, Kathy was a fierce, loyal defender of those she loved and an anchor of steadfast friendship, rooted deeply in her devotion to the Lord. Her family and friends remain eternally blessed to have walked in the warmth of her light. We are lucky to have had Kathy to love on us and always be in our corner.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Wildwood Senior Living and Compassus Hospice in Joplin, Missouri, for the tenderness and grace shown to Kathy.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home in Galena, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Joplin Humane Society.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at Tennessee Prairie Church, 11370 SE 110th St., Galena, KS 66739 on October 1st at 4:00 PM.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." — Proverbs 31:25-26

"She has fire in her soul and grace in her heart."