Kathy M Heim

Kathy Heim, beloved child of God, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025, surrounded by her family. Kathy was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend: A prime example of a Proverbs 31 woman.

Anyone who knew Kathy could testify that she exemplified the fruits of the spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, and Gentleness. She had a gift for making her surroundings beautiful, whether it was the homes she created for her family or the gourmet meals she lovingly cooked for others. Her home was always a haven for those she and her family loved.

Kathy, who was affectionately known as "Kakalack" or "Kak" by those closest to her, was born in Burnet, TX on February 1, 1947, to Weldon Lee and Rachel Corder Maples. Kathy and her siblings grew up in Fort Worth, TX. She, along with her sister, Marilyn, and brother, Alan, were loved fiercely by their parents. They shared an idyllic childhood full of trips to visit family, horseback riding with friends, watching Aggie football games and many other adventures. Marilyn and Alan were not only siblings, but were also her closest, lifelong friends.

Weldon and Rachel's home was always open and welcoming to Kathy's childhood friends, and many amazing memories were made. In 1965 she graduated from Paschal High School and attended Texas Tech where she pledged Zeta Tau Alpha before graduating from the University of Texas in Austin.

After college, Kathy moved to Dallas and put her fashion design degree to work for Marie Levell, a couture shop on Lover's Lane. While she lived and worked in Dallas, Kathy befriended a dear group of ladies who are still close today. They have traveled, laughed, and cried together over the years.

During this time, Kathy met her husband of 54 years, Gary Jerome Heim. Gary was struck by Kathy's spirit and beauty when they first met. They were married on March 20, 1971. Gary and Kathy built a life together and lived in Dallas for many years with their two beloved sons, Blake Alexander and Christopher Reed. Gary remembers with utmost love and admiration that, "through thick and thin, Kathy was at my side."

Of all the roles she had, Kathy's favorite was being a mom, and what a mom she was! For Reed, she encouraged his curiosity and fostered a lifelong passion for learning. She nurtured his tenderhearted nature, and he, like his mother, has a multitude of treasured friends. She was at his football games, whether right in their backyard in Lake Highlands, or overseas when Reed played for teams in Europe. For Blake, she cared for him and helped him navigate the complexities of life. Both of her sons miss their biggest fan, supporter and confidante. "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all," Proverbs 31:29.

Kathy was rich in friendships. She was a faithful and intentional friend. She remained close with a group of mothers from her sons' friend circle, fondly called the "birthday group," who still meet 30+ years later for birthdays and other life events. When Gary and Kathy moved to their beloved Hill Country after years living in Dallas, she went to work for James Avery on Mainstreet in Fredericksburg, TX. Kathy had an amazing friend group and clientele during her time there. Kathy and Gary were also active members of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Boerne, TX.

Her happy place was on the porch at the family ranch house in Burnet, TX. After cooking incredible Thanksgiving meals complete with her turkey and dressing, she would retire there, hand-in-hand with family to watch the sun set. Her favorite pastimes included playing card games and scrabble with family,

where she would win more often than not! Her wit, wisdom and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her. She had a curious mind and was an avid reader, frequently sharing her latest books with others.

Kathy is survived and remembered by her husband, Gary Heim; their two sons, Blake Heim and Reed Heim, along with Reed’s wife, Rachel; her siblings, Marilyn Daily and husband Philip Daily, and Alan Maples and wife Alisa Maples; her nieces, Mari Beth Kymes and Sarah Horan; her nephews, Jackson and Corder Maples; her great-nieces Katy Day and Emily Horan; Her sister-in-law, Marla Rodriguez and her son, Gary Rodriguez; as well as many beloved cousins throughout the state of Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents, Weldon and Rachel Maples, and her great-nephew, Marshal Day.

All who knew Kathy loved her and will miss her more than TCT… We love you, Kak, more than tongue can tell!

Memorial services will be at NorthPark Presbyterian in Dallas, TX on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Donations in Kathy's memory can be made to the National Organization for Rare Disorders or the charity of your choice.