Katherine Ann Kroener
December 26, 1959 – January 8, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Katherine Ann Kroener, a beloved wife, mother, and friend. She departed this world on January 8, 2025, in Azle, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and cherished memories. Born on December 26, 1959, in Fort Worth, Texas, Katherine's life was a beautiful testament to kindness, strength, and the deep love she held for her family.

Raised in a warm and loving home by her parents, Wallace Oscar Reed and Edith Inez Darden-Reed, Katherine grew up alongside her beloved brother, Raymond Reed. From an early age, she was instilled with the values of hard work, resilience, and unconditional love—qualities that would define her throughout her life. Though she was preceded in death by her parents and brother, the bonds they shared remained ever-present in her heart, shaping the woman she became.

A lifelong resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Katherine took immense pride in her home state of Texas. She embodied the heart and spirit of a true Texan—fiercely loyal, endlessly caring, and always ready to support those she loved. Hardworking and dedicated, she approached life with determination, but nothing was more important to her than her family.

Katherine found her greatest joy in being a wife and mother. She met the love of her life, Ralph Eugene Kroener, and together they built a marriage that spanned 37 years—a union rooted in deep love, unwavering support, and shared laughter. Their journey together was one of devotion, and through every challenge and triumph, their bond remained strong and unshakable.

Above all else, Katherine's proudest role in life was being a mother. She adored her two sons, Derek Keahey and Steven James Kroener, with every fiber of her being. She was the kind of mother who gave her all, pouring boundless love and encouragement into their lives. She celebrated their victories, comforted them in their struggles, and remained a constant source of unwavering support. No matter how busy life became, Katherine was always there—present at every milestone, every achievement, and every moment that mattered. Her love for her children knew no bounds, and they were the true light of her life.

Beyond her devotion to her family, Katherine had a brilliant and curious mind, with a deep passion for reading. She especially loved Japanese manga and anime, amassing an impressive collection that reflected her appreciation for storytelling and art. She found joy in immersing herself in new worlds, sharing her favorite stories with those around her, and expressing her creativity through her love of literature. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she had a unique ability to bring excitement and laughter into the lives of those she loved.

Katherine's heart was as vast as the Texas sky—full of kindness, generosity, and an endless capacity to make others feel special. She was a storyteller, a memory-keeper, and a source of light for all who knew her. She delighted in making others laugh, in sharing heartfelt conversations, and in turning the simplest moments into cherished memories.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Ralph Eugene Kroener, and her two beloved sons, Derek Keahey and Steven James Kroener. Though she has departed from this world, her love will remain with them always, guiding them as she always did—with warmth, wisdom, and an unwavering presence in their hearts.

Katherine's passing leaves an indescribable void, but her spirit will forever live on in the lives of those she touched. Her love, laughter, and kindness will never be forgotten, and her memory will be carried forward in the hearts of her family and friends.

A celebration of Katherine's life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor the incredible woman she was. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of choice in her honor, as a tribute to her generous and loving spirit.

Though her earthly journey has come to an end, Katherine's story continues in the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the beautiful memories she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.