Kathy Anne Tvrdik, 70, of Valley Falls, KS, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at her home. Kathy lost her courageous battle to cancer with family by her side. She was born May 21, 1949 in Loup City, NE, the daughter of Clyde and Rae Jean (Brown) Gogan.

          Kathy graduated from Arcadia High School in 1967 in Arcadia, NE. She also finished her cosmetology course. She had lived in Valley Falls for 8 years and previously in Topeka.

          She worked for Social Security Administration doing data entry, and also as a realtor in Denver, CO and Alaska. She wrote articles for the Osage County Herald, and worked for AAFES at Forbes Field (military shopping post)- BX (base exchange). In Kathy’s later years, she became a wonderful photographer of wildlife, especially birds. Her pictures were loved and appreciated by many; including her thousands of Facebook followers. Kathy had a love for all of God’s creatures, especially her geese and her dogs.

Kathy had a love of dolls, and collected dolls of all eras, especially bisque. She was a doll appraiser, and attended many doll shows. She was a talented cake decorator who shared her craft by teaching others.

          Kathy married Donald Duane Tvrdik on October 31, 1970 in Arcadia, NE. They celebrated over 49 years of marriage.

          Survivors include her husband, Donald D. Tvrdik of the home, a son, Christopher Tvrdik (Barbara) of Sturgeon Lake, MN; a daughter, Angela Cantrell (Michael) of Charleston, SC; a sister, Pamela Robinson (Mario) of Lincoln, NE; a brother, Edward Gogan (Chris) of Nebraska City, NE and 5 grandchildren, Gabe & Trevor Tvrdik and Missy, Katy and Doug Torgerson.

          Private Family Funeral Service will be at the Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Burial will follow at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Kathy will lie in state at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2020. Memorials may be given to the ASPCA Animal Rescue or Jefferson County Humane Society. Due to the critical situation our country is in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on our website. Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.