Katrina Jean Plank

Katrina Jean Hamby Bear Plank, 75, of Anson, Texas, received her Heavenly reward on March 8, 2025. Surrounded by many of her beloved family members, she peacefully let go of her earthly body to be with her Lord and Savior after a sudden illness.

A visitation with family will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Anson Church of Christ Fellowship Hall located at 1400 Commercial Avenue. Memorial services will take place at 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in the Anson Church of Christ auditorium, officiated by Minister Joe Hailey.

Katrina was born on May 10, 1949, in Lubbock, Texas, to J.W. and Dorothy Jean (Merrifield) Hamby. She was raised in Plainview, Texas, where she was active in her church. After graduating high school, she attended two years at Lubbock Christian College before earning her teaching degree at Abilene Christian University.

She was a sister, mother, Meme, teacher, mentor, business owner, and friend to many. Her heart was big and giving, always putting others before herself. Her family was her pride and joy, and she made sure they knew she was there for them—whether cheering at their games, sending thoughtful cards, or simply being present when they needed her most.

Katrina dedicated over 30 years to Anson ISD as a teacher, PALS sponsor, and cheerleading sponsor, where she inspired and encouraged countless students. She poured her heart into her work, always striving to make a difference in the lives of young people. She also ran her private preschool, "The Peanuts Club” and was a gymnastics coach, instilling confidence and discipline in her students, and she took great pride in their accomplishments.

Her school spirit for the Anson Tigers was unmatched. Whether it was pep rallies, football games, basketball games, or track meets, she was there—cheering the loudest, supporting the students, and ensuring they knew someone believed in them.

Her passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom. She taught ladies water aerobics and swimming lessons to hundreds of children in Anson and the surrounding area and led children’s Bible classes at the Anson Church of Christ. She helped to start the Wednesday Warriors program at church, giving kids a place to gather for fun, food, and faith.

After many years of managing the Anson City Pool, Katrina opened Mom’s Pool House, a beloved gathering place for the community to come together and celebrate special occasions. She took great pride in teaching water safety and training young lifeguards, knowing the vital skills she shared had the potential to save lives.

Katrina had a passion for collecting, with a special love for strawberries, hummingbirds, and her ever-growing collection of milk glassware, which she lovingly displayed in her home. She also had a deep affection for Peanuts, especially Linus, and cherished family traditions. At Christmas, she made Meme sacks for her loved ones and baked roll-and-cut cookies with them, always

reminding them, "We're not just making cookies, we're making memories." She treasured game nights filled with homemade popcorn, creating lasting moments with her family.

One of her greatest joys was spending time at her family’s cabin in New Mexico, her favorite place to be. She shared this special retreat with many family friends and members of the community, creating lifelong memories in the peaceful mountain air.

She was strong-willed, sometimes stubborn, and a little bit controlling—but that was Katrina, and she loved for it. Despite her health issues, she never let pain keep her from loving and serving others.

She lived each day as a devoted Christian woman, starting her mornings with black coffee, her Bible, and a daily devotional. She spent this time in prayer, faithfully praying for her family and seeking God’s guidance. Her greatest wish was for her family to follow Jesus so they could all be together again in eternity.

She is preceded in death by her parents, J.W. and Dorothy Jean Merrifield Hamby; her brother, Larry Hamby; her brother-in-law, Wayne Newman; and her granddaughters, Katlyn Creek and Raely Plank.

She is survived by her two sisters, Jill Freeman (Doug) and Jan Newman; her children, Pam Gonzales (Daril), Tammye Creek (Steve), Machael Hall (Monty), Kindy Plank (Robert), and Jay William Plank (Amanda);

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren all cherished her as Meme. She was their constant presence, never missing a birthday party, program, or any special moment in their lives, always making sure they knew how deeply she loved and supported them.

Grandkids: Kellye Brown (Jace), Haleigh Bullock (Donny), Kadie Tyson (Clayton), Shelby Lohmann (Vincent), Jenna Chittum, Austin Chittum (Shian), Dalton Hall, Hannah Grimmett (Chris), Rhett Hall, Aaron Chittum, Raven Dean, Allana Plank, Connor Plank, Austin Hunter, Emma Plank, Laramie Plank, Wyatt Plank, and Montana Plank;

Great-grandchildren: Kaylinn Tyson, Mason Tyson, Cohyn Brown, Silo Pack, Chandler Brown, Cooper Tyson, Maverick Lohmann, and Peyton Chittum;

She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends, including many she loved as if they were her own family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Lubbock Christian University, Anson ISD, or the Anson Church of Christ Youth Program.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Hendrick South ICU nursing staff for their love and compassion.

Katrina is now whole—no pain, no suffering, no burdens. She is at peace, walking the streets of gold.