Kathy “Miss Kathy” Kerbow, a cherished member of the Abilene community and a devoted family woman, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene, Texas surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 19, 1958, in Tacoma, Washington, Kathy’s journey led her to a life marked by kindness, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to her loved ones.
Kathy grew up in Abilene and was a proud graduate of Wylie High School. It was here that she met her knight in shining armor, Tony Kerbow. They spent their early years raising their children together on the Kerbow corner farm at Gouldbusk and enjoying their custom harvesting adventures. Her career spanned 27 years with the Hendrick Health System, where she made a significant impact through her work at the Hendrick Breast Institute and later at the Hendrick Neurology Clinic as an Administrative Professional. Throughout her career, Kathy touched the lives of many patients, offering guidance and compassion, and forged lasting friendships that enriched her life. Known for her fun-loving and outgoing personality, Kathy embraced life with enthusiasm and warmth. She was a steadfast supporter of her family, delighting in watching her children and grandchildren engage in various sports and activities. Her spirited defense of her children and grandchildren in the face of questionable referee calls endeared her even more to the teams and communities she supported. Beyond her advocacy, Kathy was a fantastic cook, lovingly preparing her children’s favorite meals and bringing joy to family gatherings.
Kathy’s life was deeply rooted in love and faith. On February 18, 1976, she married Tony in Abilene, Texas, and the couple joyfully celebrated 50 years of marriage. Together, they were devoted members of Daugherty Street Church of Christ in Eastland, a testament to their shared values and commitment.
She is survived by her loving husband, Tony Kerbow, and her beloved children: Jim Kerbow and wife Christen; Travis Kerbow and wife Tatum; Adrienne Ruffin and husband Gregg; and Heather Canada and husband Patrick. Kathy’s heart was fullest in the company of her grandchildren: Kaitlyn Turner, Kyler Kerbow, Kynzie Kerbow, Kaden Kerbow and wife Jadyn, Brooks Kerbow, Alyssa Yanez and husband Jarred, Conner Ruffin and wife Emma, Blaze Ruffin, Kannon Ruffin, Toni Canada, and Ryann Canada. Her great-grandchildren, Aiden Yanez and Addison Yanez, also brought immense joy to her life. Kathy will be lovingly remembered by her sister Kristy Hampton and husband Dwayne; nieces and nephews Jayna Lohse and husband Clay, Bryan Hampton and wife Yue, Tammy Edwards and husband Jeremy, Tiffany Caballero, and sister-in-law Donna Hicks and husband Sid. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert Franklin Heath and Margaret Ann Grounds Heath.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W Pecan St, Coleman, TX. A graveside service will follow on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Coleman City Cemetery, 1600 East 9th Street, in Coleman. Service are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home.
Miss Kathy’s loss will be deeply felt by all who knew her, yet her legacy of love, laughter, and service continues through her family and the countless lives she has touched. She will be remembered as a woman of strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and those she served. She leaves behind a profound legacy of love and community that will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.
The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in memory of Kathy be made to The Hope Fund at www.hendrickhopefund.org (http://www.hendrickhopefund.org/).
We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Kerbow family by signing the guestbook on Kathy’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com (http://www.stevensfuneralhome.com/).
Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kerbow family.