Kathryn Connaway

Kathryn (Deley) Connaway, beloved mother and Yiayia, 82 of Moberly, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2023, at University of Missouri Health Care, surrounded by her family.  She was born March 9, 1941, in Centralia, IL, the daughter of Greek immigrants John and Bertha (Drokos) Deley. 

Kathryn “Kathy” was a devoted hard-working mother and grandmother. After staying at home most of her life to raise her children, she went to work at the age of 40 to support her children.  She worked at Wal-Mart until she retired at the age of 67.  Kathy was an avid St. Louis Cardinal Baseball and Illinois Basketball fan, but most of all she was a fan of her grandchildren’s sports and activities.  If she couldn’t attend in person, she learned how to stream the games and activities, so she didn’t miss anything.  She was of the Greek Orthodox faith and was extremely proud of her Greek heritage.  She spent time teaching her children and grandchildren how to make delicious Greek dishes.  But most of all, Kathy was most proud of her family. She would tell everyone about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She continuously sacrificed herself for the betterment of her family, she loved them all dearly, and she was equally loved. 

She is survived by her beloved children, daughter Cynthia Heese of Columbia, MO, son Gregory (Sheila) Connaway of Moberly, MO, son Jeffrey (Amy) Connaway of St. Charles, and son Patrick (Crystal) Connaway of Vandalia, MO; cherished grandchildren, Jennifer (Brett) Davis of Moberly, MO, Andria (Zach) Bass of Columbia, MO, Jordan Connaway of Moberly, MO, Brianna Heese of Portland, OR, Justin (Lauren) Connaway of Moberly, MO, Alexandra Connaway of Columbia, MO, Panna Connaway of Columbia, MO, Nikos Connaway of Vandalia, MO, Luke Connaway of St.  Charles, MO,  and Ellis Connaway of St. Charles, MO; and precious great-grandchildren,  Ashton and Mila Connaway,  Alistair and Elijah Bass, Austin Davis; and many loved cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, E.W. Connaway, Jr, infant son, Michael Thomas Connaway, infant grandson, Michael John Connaway, and sister, Bessie Smith.

She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Here’s to her memory: OPA!

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation that was held at the Cater Funeral Home.  Funeral services honoring and celebrating Kathryn’s life will be, Friday, October 27, 2023, 10:30 a.m., Graveside at the Elmwood Cemetery, Centralia, IL. to followed by Committal prayer and burial.