Kathleen Evans

Connersville native Kathleen Evans, 69, died peacefully Friday, August 28, 2026, at her residence.

Kathy was born on February 1, 1957, to Fred Gibbs and Ellen Gray Updike. When she was younger, Kathy was employed at Kunkel’s and in healthcare. More recently she worked on the assembly line at Visteon until her much deserved retirement. Kathy had a smile that truly lit up the room, and her personality made her the life of the party. She loved to be outdoors whether she was tending to her garden, riding the Harley, or just soaking up the sun. In addition, she enjoyed camping, traveling in the RV, visiting the beach, attending concerts, and hunting for mushrooms and pretty rocks. More than anything, Kathy adored her family. She was always there to support her children and grandchildren. Her greatest joy was being their Mom and Mamaw. Kathy will be deeply missed by her family and friends that love her dearly.

Kathy is survived by her fiancé: Ken Moore; children: Tracy Russell, Brian and Mary Russell, Ryan Russell, Chris Russell; grandchildren: Tyler, Zach, Hunter, Jayden, and Mason Russell, Austin Grant, Sierra and Brianna Grimes; great-grandson: Dakota; siblings: Bob and Geri Gibbs, Coleman and Roseann Gibbs, Brenda and Russell Ramsey; daughter-in-law: Brooke Russell; loving pets: Smoke and Bandit.

In addition to her parents, Kathy is preceded in death by the father of her children: Charles E. Russell; best dog friend: Harley.

The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville. Burial will follow at Laurel North Cemetery. Friends may gather at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m., until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Animal Shelter or Fayette County Cancer Society in Kathy’s honor.