Kathryn Elizabeth Varady

Kathryn Elizabeth "Katy" Varady

January 5, 1943 - March 19, 2026

Kathryn Elizabeth Varady, while surrounded by her children, drew a final deep breath and peacefully passed away at her home in Little Rock, Arkansas, at 9:17 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Born in Hayward, California, on January 5, 1943, she was predeceased by her parents, Charles Watson Yancey and Linnie Allen Yancey, brother Jimmy Nathan Yancey, sister, Jo Ann Yancey Lane, nephew, Mike Yancey, and her husband, Bill Russom. She is survived by her children, Cheri Ottaviano (Noel), Scott Varady (Melissa), Steve Varady (Dianna), and Susan Varady Walters. Known lovingly as "Mimi" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she is also survived by: Joanna Leigh Holt Hoffman (Col. Andy Hoffman); Joshua Holt (Sarah Holt) and their children, Harrison, Tommy, and Henry; Dr. Nathan H. Varady (Kira Schott Varady) and their daughter, Elle Rose Varady; Emily Rose Varady; Bradley Varady; Avery Walters Qualls (Brandon) and daughter, Alice Walters; Anna Walters; and Jack Walters. She is also survived by her nephews, Tim Yancey (Malia) and Dr. Chris Yancey (Alisa), and numerous other relatives.

Kathryn was an eager adventurer whose life reflected her intellect and many talents as well as her love of travel. Among many artistic pursuits, she wrote poetry, acted and sang in various productions of children's theatre, including playing the lead in Peter Pan, at the Arkansas Arts Center. She loved camping anywhere, particularly island camping at Lake Ouachita where she enjoyed water skiing. Her passion for the outdoors took her to all Arkansas State Parks except for two. She loved being on any body of water whether a lake, the sea, or an ocean as she explored the world. With no experience off limits, Kathryn's passion for the outdoors led her to a white-water rafting trip on the Colorado River. She loved traveling the world, experiencing new countries and cultures. She enjoyed conducting seminars and workshops on various mental health topics to guests aboard various cruise lines that took her to exotic destinations. Ever active and competitive with herself, she began race walking later in life, including always seeking to achieve a personal best, and completing, among other races, the Marine Corp 10K in Washington, D.C., while joined by her daughter, Cheri, and granddaughter, Joanna.

Defining Kathryn's life by a single name, career, or role is an impossible task - she was a character in every sense of the word throughout the many varied chapters and novels comprising her life. She forged her own path, overcame obstacles, and touched the lives of others along the way. A life-long learner who excelled in school at every level, Kathryn was a member of the Class of 1960 at Hall High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, who years later would help organize class reunions. She was an alumna of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville's College of Education and Health Professions, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1966, and became an elementary school teacher. While raising her four children and committed to helping others, Kathryn earned a Master of Social Work at the UALR Graduate School of Social Work in 1980.

Always dedicated to helping children and families, during her career she worked as a social worker for the Texas Department of Human Services investigating and advocating for abused and neglected children and served as a Guidance Counselor at elementary schools in the Little Rock School District. As a private practicing LCSW, she opened Psychotherapy Services in Little Rock to provide counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. At one point in her career, Kathryn became a licensed real estate broker and sold real estate. After her parents passed away, she joined the Peace Corps for a brief time-period. Her professional ambitions and career reflected her values of empathy, careful listening, respect for others, and her desire to make the world a better place. She was also proud that early in her career, she worked at the Pentagon. She also worked as a model at various auto shows.

Kathryn (or "Katy" to some) loved gatherings with her circle of friends to whom she was fiercely loyal, including, among others: Judi Woods, Jeannie Barron, Linda LaFrance, Donna Peterson, Sarah Rampona, Billie King, Sara Shaw, Sandy Hubbard, Linda Collins, and Marianne Bergen. In recent years, she cherished her friendship with Russ Robken who tirelessly encouraged and supported her. She was also fond of her dear friend, Steve Bowlin, who exemplified the true meaning of a "neighbor" and was always there to help her. Kathryn also loved animals and her pets over the years, including dogs Sophie and Sadie, and her cat, Kasey.

Kathryn believed in exercising her voice on the issues of the day, in the U.S. Constitution, in equality and social justice for all people, especially women's rights and the Equal Rights Amendment, and in uplifting the United States as reflected in a quote she admired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "We need leaders not in love with money but in love with justice. Not in love with publicity but in love with humanity." In the end, Kathryn made a difference and made the world a better place.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Jimmie Morgan and Zhara Thomas who were "Ms. Kathryn's" exceptional caregivers and became special friends in her final weeks.

Funeral arrangements will be provided by the Little Rock Smith Family Funeral Home and a gathering for family and friends will be held in late April. Gifts in her memory may be made to the Arkansas Autism Resource and Outreach Center or the Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment at the University of Arkansas.