Kathryn Earl Sanders (Kate) Hardy gained her wings June 17, 2024 at 101 years young.  She was born in Savannah, Georgia on January 6, 1923. She later moved to Miami, Florida with her mom and stepdad.  Kathryn attended Miami High.  After graduation she began working for Western Union.  It was during this time that she met the love of her life.  A handsome soldier from Texas that was in the Army AirCorp training.  Airman James Clarence Hardy and Kathryn Earl Sanders began dating after meeting on a blind date and they were not the blind date couple.  Clarence was stationed in London, England and flew home to Texas, in July of 1944 and wed his southern  bride.  He then returned to London until the war was over in 1945. They made their home in Huntsville in 1946 where Clarence and his brother Marion began Hardy Lumber Co..  Clarence continued running the business until his death in 1990.

Kathryn and Clarence, aka, Kate and Poppa raised 4 daughters; Suzanne, Sally Lu, Sara Nan and Sharron.  The girls and their families were the highlights of their lives!  Their bags were easily available for travel, ready to head out whether to West Texas, to rodeos, sporting events or whatever children, grandchildren or son in laws were involved in.

If you were to walk in Kate's home, you most likely would have found her doing some kind of handwork.  Her sewing basket was right beside her chair in her living room at all times, constantly working on something! (Along with her various puzzle books).

She always looked forward to the annual Fall trip to Arkansas to Eureka Springs to the variety of Craft Shows.  This trip she and her craft loving friends, Carolyn Hooker, Eloise Powell, Linda O'Banion, and Merle Coker took each Fall in October back in the '80's and '90's.  Kate always came home with wonderful new ideas.

Kate's United Methodist Women's Circle hosted each year Granny's Kitchen and Bazarre.  Handcrafted items by church members were donated to sell. She ran the Granny's Kitchen and Bazarre for over 20 years. Even in her 90's she was still sewing ornaments and various other items to donate to the Bazarre. She was the oldest member of the FUMC.

Kate's Bible was a fixture in her home, as she instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of living a good, honest, Christian life.  A life of service with honesty, integrity, faithfulness, forgiveness and love.  Their unbounding love was among the many qualities Kate and Poppa lived by. Always remember, the greatest gift you can give, is the gift of LOVE!

Special love and appreciation to Kate's caregivers, Isabel and Dery, that cared for her during her 3 year stay at daughter Sharron and son in law Ricky Carpenter's home from May 2020 - August 2023.

Also, thank you to the wonderful staff at MRC Creekside, 3rd floor, who has given their love and excellent care to our Kate these past 10 months, especially Bethany, Beverly and Rosalind.  Appreciation to Oasis Hospice for their love and guidance during these last few months. Being an only child, Kate left an amazing legacy!

Kathryn (Kate) is survived by her daughters/son in laws, Sally and Jim Espy of Fort Davis, Sara Nan and Steve Wells of Madisonville, Sharron and Ricky Carpenter of Hempstead;  Grandchildren , Christi Zunker (Monty), Rusty Wood (Amanda),  Joel Wood, Mandy Overturff (KC),  Joe Espy, Clay Wells (Shannon), Cody Wells (Joanie), Katie Stroade (Paul), Karie West (Gary), Kasie Christman (DJ) and Kallie Reynolds (Brent); 28 Great Grandchildren and 8 Great Great Grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband James Clarence Hardy, daughter Suzanne (Suzi) Wood, and grandson James Pruett (Jim Tre) Espy III.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 5PM to 7PM at Heritage Oak Funeral Home in Huntsville. Services will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 11AM at First United Methodist Church of Huntsville.

The family is asking in lieu of flowers, that memorials be given to the FUMC Building Fund, or the charity of your choice.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."