Kathy Hardgrave

In Loving Memory

Kathryn Marie Van Slaars Hardgrave, age 72, of Sonora, TX passed away peacefully on November 7, 2026, surrounded by her family who loved her dearly, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and unconditional love. She was at peace and shed a single tear as she was released of her earthly bonds and began her journey to her eternal home.

Born on October 24, 1954, in San Angelo, Texas to Robert and Gloria Van Slaars, Kathy traveled throughout the United States with her family during her father’s military career in the U.S. Air Force. They later returned to San Angelo where she graduated from Central High School. She also attended Angelo State University where she studied early childhood education. The oldest of four siblings, Kathy greatly treasured family and her heritage, including her father’s French upbringing which she was so proud of. Family gatherings and holidays were especially dear to her heart, and she loved bringing everyone together.

Kathy was a devoted wife of 47 years to her husband, Gary. They were married on May 19, 1979. in San Angelo, TX. They moved to Sonora in 1983, settling into the home where Gary had spent his childhood. They were warmly welcomed by lifelong friends and a close-knit community that would become such an important part of their lives. The friendships formed during those years grew into lasting bonds, with families raising their children together and sharing in the joys and milestones of life.

Kathy had a special passion for children and a natural gift for teaching and nurturing young minds. She turned that passion into a calling when she established Jack and Jill Preschool in her own home, where she welcomed, cared for, and helped shape the minds and hearts of some of Sonora’s youngest children. Through her patience, kindness, and devotion, she created a loving environment where little ones could learn, grow, and feel special. Her impact reached far beyond the classroom, impacting countless children and families throughout the community. In 2013, Kathy was honored as Sonora ISD Teacher of the Year—a particularly meaningful recognition, as she was not even part of the school district. It was a beautiful reflection of the respect, admiration, and lasting influence she had earned throughout the community.

Above all, Kathy was a woman of deep and abiding faith. Her faith was the foundation of her life and the greatest gift she passed along to her children. She believed in living out her faith through service, compassion, and love for others. She generously volunteered her time through St. Ann Catholic Church in Sonora and found great joy in serving her church and community. She taught her children not only the importance of faith, but what it truly means to live that faith each day. 

Her greatest blessings were her children and grandchildren. Kathy was a nurturing and devoted mother to Kristen and Ryan, and guided them with unwavering love, always offering encouragement, wisdom, and support. As Mimi, she found an especially joyful chapter of life. She adored her six grandchildren—Ethan, Abby, Hudson, Colton, Anna Kate, and Waylon—and was endlessly proud of each of them. Whether attending their sporting events, cheering them on in their activities, celebrating their accomplishments, or simply spending time together, she treasured every opportunity to be part of their lives. Her grandchildren were among her greatest joys, and being their Mimi was a role she held especially close to her heart.

Kathy will be remembered for her gentle nature, generous heart, unwavering faith, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy in the family she cherished, the faith she instilled, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the lessons she taught, the traditions she created, and the love she shared will live on for generations.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Gary Hardgrave; her children, Kristen Kaufman and her husband, Sam, and Ryan Hardgrave and his wife Tracy; and her six cherished grandchildren, Ethan, Abby and Anna Kate Kaufman, and Hudson, Colton and Waylon Hardgrave. She also leaves behind her siblings, Patti and husband Greg Spruell, Joe Van Slaars, and Jeanne and husband Robert Miller, in addition to her aunts, uncles, niece, nephews and cousins she adored. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Gloria Van Slaars, infant brother Thomas William, and her grandparents, Sidney and Fernande Van Slaars and Joseph and Anita Berger.

Visitation will be held at Harper-Welch Funeral Home in Sonora, Texas on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass honoring Kathy’s life will be held on Saturday, November 14, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Sonora. There will be a reception immediately after at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in San Angelo, Texas.

Flowers

Those wishing to send flower arrangements may call Hodge Podgees Candle Company in Sonora at 325-387-5507 to have flowers delivered to Harper-Welch Funeral Home.

Memorials

In Kathy's memory, charitable donations may be made to Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin, Texas. 

May she rest in the eternal peace of our Lord, reunited with those who have gone before her, and forever surrounded by His love. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.