Catherine "Kay"

J. Shoemaker

Chambers —Catherine "Kay" Jean Shoemaker, 87, of Chambers, died peacefully after a large stroke on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024 with a 7 p.m. rosary at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill.

Burial will be in the Chambers Cemetery in Chambers at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Catherine was born on May 22, 1937 in O'Neill to William and Irene (Phillips) Martin. She grew up in O'Neill and graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School in 1955.

Kay had one son Joseph “Joe” James Hanley III from a previous marriage and later married Gail “Red” Shoemaker. They made their home in Chambers. Red passed away suddenly in 2008 followed by Joe a few months later after an eight-year battle with ALS.

Kay enjoyed working in the yard, crocheting, reading and spending time with family, her granddaughter Christy and her great-granddaughter whom Gramma Kay called “lil punkin.” 

To know Kay was to love her. There is no sweeter smile, infectious laugh or greater love of shopping than had by Kay. Everyone will be happy to know that she will indeed be buried in her signature hot pink Sketchers. Her fantastic ability to tell a story will be missed by all. 

Kay dedicated her life to her Lord and her church at St. Patrick's. If you were lucky, you could hear her beautiful singing voice during Mass. Towards the end of her life her faith was practiced through church service on TV and faithfully praying the rosary every night. Her loved ones know she is beyond happy to officially meet her Savior in the Great Kingdom she now calls home.

Kay is survived by one sister Judy Shaw, one granddaughter Christy (Colter) Bowers, one great-granddaughter Freyja, many nieces and nephews as well as most of the Chambers community who will remember her fondly.

  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Red; one son Joe; two brothers Don and Ed; and three sisters Marget, Mary and Ann.