Mary Catherine (Cissell) Dowdy

Mary Catherine Dowdy, 98, of Smithville, MO, passed away Monday, August 24, 2009.

She was born on November 29, 1910 to James Clarence and Maude Elizabeth (Thomas) Cissell in Holy Cross, Kentucky where she grew up and attended grade school. Catherine graduated from Bethlem Academy in Nerinx, Kentucky.

On June 26, 1947 she was united in marriage to Harry W. Dowdy. After their marriage they lived in Smithville where they made their home. Her husband, Harry passed away in December 1981.

Catherine worked for Kansas City Title Insurance Company for several years. She later owned her own Chattel Search business for many years before retiring.

She was a charter member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Smithville where she was a lay minister and reader for many years.

Catherine was also preceded in death by her parents, six brothers, three sisters, two great-great-grandsons, two step-daughters, one step-son, and two step-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter Frances Reidlinger, Maryville, MO; six grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandsons, three great-great-granddaughters, six step-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren, three step-great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews other relatives and many friends.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 27^th at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Smithville with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Burial: Resurrection Cemetery, Kansas City, MO

Donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Catholic Church building fund

Arrangements, Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.