Kathi Jo Thatch Mowery, age 66, of Cleveland, passed peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on September 20, 2026.

Kathi was born in Cleveland on July 22, 1960, to William Wilson Thatch and Barbara Ann Thatch Stepp nee Kaylor, both of whom preceded her in death. She was a graduate of Bradley Central High School and attended Black Fox Elementary School. Kathi was a woman who lived a life filled with creativity, compassion, adventure, and a deep love for her family, friends, animals, and community.

During her younger years, Kathi worked at Brooking Wholesale Company, Pendleton Public Library in Oregon, and the Cleveland Daily Banner. Later in life, she worked with Hospice of Chattanooga at both the Oakwood and Cleveland branches. She also spent several years living and working in Oregon and Washington, where she worked as a librarian and enjoyed the beautiful Pacific Northwest and its deep winter snows.

Kathi was active in the local community and served as an officer of The Main Street Cruisers for several years, helping with club activities and the downtown monthly cruise-ins. She especially enjoyed attending the cruise-ins and spending time with friends who shared her love of classic automobiles.

Kathi had a special love for her 1965 Mustang, affectionately named “Scarlett,” which she and Jerry enjoyed taking to car shows. She loved spending hours visiting with friends, talking about classic cars, and admiring the many antique vehicles. Her love of automobiles began at an early age when her grandfather, S.C. “Clarence” Thatch, taught her to drive around the cow pastures in an old farm truck. Kathi was always ready for a sunny-day car ride, taking one of her Mustangs out and simply choosing a road to see where it would lead.

She was also a talented crafter who enjoyed cooking, embroidery, crocheting, and making afghans. An avid reader, Kathi especially loved a good mystery, music, and piano. She loved cats and could often be found curled up with a good book by the fireplace.

Kathi had a generous heart and quietly gave much of herself to others. She served with The Ark of Cleveland, helping advertise homes for pets in need and assisting with adoption clinics. She also donated food and supplies to Dixie Day Spay to help care for rescued and fostered animals. One of her most meaningful gifts was her crocheting. Kathi made more than 300 afghans for Hospice of Chattanooga, many of them red, white, and blue, which were used during recognition ceremonies honoring local veterans facing terminal illness.

Kathi was married to her beloved husband, Jerry Mowery, and together they shared 40 years of happiness. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her husband, Jerry; stepdaughter, Teaa and Jason Liner; step-grandchildren, Summer Wilson and Addison Liner; siblings, Dianne Myers, Tony and Lisa Thatch, and Kelly and Joe Guffey; nieces and nephews, Cassidy Turner, Corey Thatch, and Cayci Freeman; great-niece and great-nephew, Cooper Freeman and Amelia Turner; best friend Sherry Stockburger whom she knew her entire life and a host of extended family and close friends.

Kathi will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her kindness, creativity, laughter, generous spirit, and love for others will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Services for Mrs. Mowery will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with visitation from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Main State Room of Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation. A chapel service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Fort Hill Cemetery thereafter.

The family is in the care of Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation.