Kathryn “Kathy” Lea Fox, age 84, of Gettysburg, South Dakota, formerly of Wolsey, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Avera Oahe Manor in Gettysburg.

Her prayer service will be held at 5:00 PM, Saturday, September 19, at the Kuhler Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday evening at the funeral home. Food and fellowship will follow at The Hub in Wolsey, beginning at 6:45 PM, Saturday.

Kathy was born on July 15, 1942, in Hendrick, Minnesota, to Verna and Marlow Willis. Her life began with hardship when she lost her father at just 18 months old. She was later adopted by Delbert Paul, who became an important part of her life and story.

Kathy was many things to many people throughout her life. She loved having people around her. She enjoyed cooking for others, working at the grocery store, visiting with friends, and opening her home to those she cared about. She had a way of making people feel welcome, and there was always room for one more at her table. She was also someone who never seemed to know the meaning of slowing down. She worked many jobs throughout her life, Fair City Foods is where she spent the majority of her career, and she had a reputation for outworking just about everyone around her.

But to us, she was Mom. And being a mom and grandma was her greatest treasure. Nothing made Kathy prouder than her children and grandchildren. She wanted to be at every event and was the loudest cheerleader in the crowd. Their activities, accomplishments, and everyday lives mattered to her because they were her pride and joy. She showed her love through the countless things she did for her family: cooking, helping, showing up, working hard, and simply being there.

Kathy’s family was her greatest accomplishment. She spent her life working hard, caring deeply and making sure the people she loved knew they mattered. Her presence was woven into the everyday lives of her family, and her absence will be felt in countless little moments — the empty chair, the familiar recipes, the conversations, the gatherings, and the traditions she helped create.

Kathy is survived by her children, Brett and Wanda Hanson of Wolsey, South Dakota, Chantell and Bryan Engels of Minneota, Minnesota, JoLinda and Reece Brown of Gettysburg, South Dakota, and Jodi and Jon Heller of Basehor, Kansas.

She is also survived by her ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, who brought tremendous joy and purpose to her life. Her grandchildren include Sheree Hanson, Brandi Hanson, Becky Long, Jeremy Kubal, Allyson Frazier, Austin Engels, Lily Heller, Grahm Heller, Boston Brown and Rowan Brown. As well as the many many other kiddos that were lucky enough to call her Grandma Kathy.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Marlow Willis and Verna and Delbert Paul; and her sons, Bruce Hanson and Bradley Hanson.

Kathy’s greatest legacy is not something she accomplished — it is the family she loved so completely. She will be missed beyond words and loved for generations to come.

Though she is no longer here to greet us at the door, cook for us, cheer us on, or show up wherever her family needed her, the love she gave will remain with them always.

Rest peacefully, Mom. You worked hard enough. You gave enough. You loved enough. And you will never be forgotten. We love you.