Katherine Adams Obituary

Katherine Marie Adams, 75, of Marshall, MO passed away Monday, July 7, 2025 at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall, MO. Born on November 7, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri to Ronald Sr. and Katherine (Westermann) Vassalli in St. Louis, MO, Kathy's life was a remarkable journey of dedication, learning, and love.
Kathy grew up in Sullivan, Missouri, where she attended local schools and graduated from Sullivan High School in 1968. Her life took a joyful turn when she married the love of her life, Jimmie Adams, on September 20, 1969. Together, they welcomed two children, James and Katherine, into the world. Kathy devoted the early years of her life to her family, supporting them through various relocations as Jimmie served his military career.
With an unwavering commitment to personal growth and education, Kathy returned to academia as her children grew up. She attended the University of Mississippi, where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics in 1988. Her thirst for knowledge was insatiable, leading her to the University of Missouri-Rolla, now known as Missouri Science and Technology, where she earned both her Master's Degree and eventually her PhD in 1998.
Kathy's professional life was as rich and inspiring as her academic pursuits. After a brief period at the University of Minnesota, she found her true calling at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, MO. It was there that she spent the remaining years of her career until her retirement in 2023. As a respected professor, she taught math with unrivaled passion and dedication, later becoming the Chairperson of the Math and Science Department. She shaped the minds and futures of countless students. Those who knew Kathy would describe her as kind and analytical, always approaching challenges with a clear mind and a compassionate heart. She had a profound passion for teaching and helping others learn, a legacy that will live on in the countless lives she touched. Kathy's love for her family knew no bounds, and she embraced the special opportunity to help raise her granddaughters over the years.
In her leisure time, Kathy found joy in simple pleasures. She enjoyed playing Sudoku, listening to the oldies from the 60s and 70s, and tending to her flower garden, which was as vibrant and full of life as she was. Her gentle presence and intellectual curiosity will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Katherine is survived by her loving husband, Jimmie Adams of Marshall, MO; two children, James Adams and wife Juanita, of St. Charles, MO and Kathi Dobbs and husband, John of St. Cloud, MN; 7 grandchildren: Emily Hunt and husband, Tyler of Marshall, MO, Kaitlyn Goff and husband, Dillon of Fort Riley, KS, Samantha Adams and fiancé, James Durbin of Union, MO, Virginia Adams of Hawk Point, MO, Joel, Rebekah & Levi Dobbs all of St. Cloud, MN; 4 great-grandchildren: Aria, Cayden, Winnie and Lucas; her father, Ronald Vassalli, Sr. of Sullivan, MO; two brothers, Ronald Vassalli Jr. and Vittorio "Tori" Vassalli both of Sullivan, MO; a sister, Melanie Murphy and husband, Joe of Stanton, MO; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Talbot and Pat Pennock and husband, Mike all of Bourbon, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Katherine was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine Vassalli.
Visitation will be 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Friday, July 18, 2025 at Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO. Cremation will follow with a private inurnment at Bourbon Cemetery.
Friends may send online condolences to the Kathy's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Sullivan, MO.
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