"Kate" Hewes

Alta Kay Hewes, lovingly known as Kate, Aunt Katie, Kay and Granny by those who cherished her, was born on January 10, 1942, in Eskridge, Kansas. She departed this life at her home in Keene, surrounded by her loving family, on March 1, 2025. Kate’s journey through life was marked by a big heart, unwavering love for her family, and friends who felt the warmth of her kindness.

Kate began her career in the beauty industry after graduating from cosmetology school in 1970. She established a salon in Maple Hill, where she provided not only haircare but also companionship to the women who frequented her chair. The lively atmosphere was often filled with laughter, backcombing, hairspray, and a healthy dose of local gossip, cementing lifelong friendships with her clients, many of whom have since passed.

Education played an essential role in Kate's life; she attended a rural country school during her early years, where she and her siblings had adventures riding the "old horse" to and from school. She later attended Eskridge High School, where she met Buck, who would become her husband of 65 years. She earned her GED later in life, exemplifying her determination and commitment to personal growth.

Kate had an incredible ability to lift others up, and her generous spirit was felt by everyone around her. She had a fierce protective nature as a mother, grandmother (granny), and great-grandmother, often reminding her children with "get up, you will be alright" whenever they faced challenges. This tenacity was matched by her gentle nurturing, making her the cornerstone of her family.

Kate had a profound love for reading and was known for her cooking skills. She transformed holidays into magical celebrations filled with tasty homemade cookies and candies, which caused her children, and some grandchildren to turn their noses up at store-bought treats. These simple yet beautiful traditions are just a hint at the love and care that filled her home.

Kate’s legacy is carried on by her devoted husband, Buck, her beloved children—Kelly (daughter) and John Schuetz (son-in-law), Mike (son) and Angie Hewes (daughter-in-law), Lorrie Hewes (daughter) and Steve Campbell (son-in-law)—along with her cherished sister and brother-in-law, Karol (Romig) and William "Robert" Perry. Her supportive sisters-in-laws and brother- in- laws, Shelia (Hewes) Johnston, Bobby and Barb Hewes, Gene Hewes, Debbie and Dean Hewes. Her grandchildren—Marcus Mulanax, Mallory Schuetz, Michael John Hewes, Jessica Hewes, J. Mitchell Schuetz, and Alexandria (Lexi) Sage—were her pride and joy, as were her great-grandchildren, Mason Mulanax, Derek Hewes, Milo Hewes, and Kinsley Mulanax.

Kate was undoubtedly proud of her children, never missing a school event that they participated in, and doing her best to attend as many activities of her grandkids and great-grandkids as possible. These moments enriched her life and the lives of those she loved.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and support that will continue to resonate through her family for generations to come. Kate was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Vera Romig, her in-laws, Walter and Laura Hewes, as well as her siblings Joyce (Romig) Urton, Alice (Romig) Parsons, and Clifford Romig, along with her brother-in-law, Richard Johnston.  Granny (Great Granny) is also proceeded in death by her grandson Brandon Schuetz, and great-grandsons, Reed Mulanax and Myles Mulanax.

A graveside service will be held on March 7, 2025, at 10:30 AM. It is there that we will honor her spirit and the indelible mark she left on our lives. We will find comfort in remembering the fierce, loving, and remarkable woman that was Alta Kay Hewes.