In Remembrance Of
Kathi Mallen
Kathi Rae Schneider Mallen, 70, of Stewartsville, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, after a courageous 10-month battle with cancer.
Kathi was born on December 18, 1955, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Loren and Wilma Schneider. She grew up in Gower, Missouri, and graduated from East Buchanan High School in 1974. She went on to graduate from Columbia College in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Kathi was a faithful member of Gower Christian Church and an active member of Beta Sigma Phi, which later became Sisters in Service.
Kathi devoted much of her professional life to serving others as the administrator of the Gower Convalescent Center. During her tenure, she spearheaded numerous projects focused on the expansion and improvement of the facility. She also served on several regional and state boards for nursing home administrators. Kathi set a standard for excellence and compassionate care, reflected in the many awards and accolades she received throughout her career.
After retiring from the Gower Convalescent Center, Kathi joined her family business, The Farmers Bank of Gower, and later worked for the East Buchanan School District.
In 2004, Kathi married the love of her life, Ernie Mallen. Together they blended their families—Tim, Angela, and Erin—and shared many wonderful years filled with travel and treasured time with their grandchildren.
While Kathi’s daughters were her pride and joy, she especially relished her role as a grandmother. She spent countless hours making memories with her grandchildren, enjoying adventures on the farm and at the lake.
Kathi was preceded in death by her parents, Loren and Wilma Schneider. She is survived by her husband, Ernie Mallen, of the home; her children, Angela Watson (Nicholas) and Erin Stover (Mark), both of Kansas City, Missouri, and Tim Mallen (Becky) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; grandchildren Avery and Owen Mallen, Loren and Olivia Watson, and Joseph and Ella Stover; her sister Karen (Steve) Patterson; nephew Dylan (Carsyn) McGuire; and many friends, including her beloved YaYas.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 18, at 2:30 p.m. at the Gower Christian Church AFC Fellowship Hall. Visitation will be held one and a half hours prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The family requests that attendees wear bright colors in honor of Kathi’s bright spirit.
Memorial donations may be made to Gower Christian Church or the Gower Convalescent Center.
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Service Details
2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 18th at the Gower Christian Church AFC Fellowship Hall.
1:00 p.m. Sunday, January 18th at the Gower Christian Church AFC Fellowship Hall.
Comments & condolences
11 comments
Mike Knoth
Ernie,
So sorry for you and your family’s loss.
Kevin & Carol (Coffey) Fuson
I’m so sorry about Kathi’s passing. We were classmates in the graduating class of ’74. Played basketball and in band together . She was always easy to talk to, and a kind friend. She will always be missed and thought of fondly. I’m sending her whole family my deepest sympathy, and praying God will help you cope in the days ahead with Kathi’s absence.
Donna Justus
So sorry to hear of Kathi’s passing. She was such a sweet person. my thoughts and prayers are with her family!
cheryl edmondson
Very sorry for your loss, prayers for the family.
Sue McDowell
So sorry to hear this I’ve known Kathy all my life, but really got to know her well when I was Ernie’s physical therapist in their home. What a great gal and a wonderful caregiver and always getting ready to do something fun with those grandkids!! so sorry for your loss big hugs🥰
Marilyn Crouse Rittenberg
Very sorry for the loss of Kathi. She was an important member of the Gower community. She will be missed.
Bob/Shirley Kitson
Kathi and Ernie are our neighbors at the lake, what a wonderful couple. We loved watching her girls grow up and then get married and have those wonderful Grandchildren. What a blessing they all have been to us. Kati was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, blessing to be around. We will miss her everyday at the lake. Bob./Shirley Kitson
Roger Ferris
So sorry for your loss prayers for you and the family. kathy was a good friend and a great boss . She truly will be missed
Jim @ Nancy Horn
so sorry for your family’s loss.
Marsha Ferris
Kathy was a great lady she was so sweet and a wonderful boss when she was at gower nursing home. I enjoyed her talks and laughter with us girls in the kitchen. she was a pleasure to be around. she worked very hard for us employees.she will truly missed.fry high with the angles. your always in my heart.
Michael Roady
so very sorry for your loss.