Kathy Jean Murders

December 10, 1949 – December 17, 2025

Kathy Jean Murders, a lifelong resident of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, surrounded by the love that defined her life. Born on December 10, 1949, Kathy lived a life rooted deeply in family, creativity, learning, and a profound connection to the earth.

Kathy was an amazing wife, devoted mother, and loving homemaker. Her family was always the center of her world, and her love for them was evident in everything she did. For 54 years of marriage—57 years together—she shared a beautiful life with her loving husband, L.D. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, patience, and unconditional love.

To know Kathy was to know where to find her: in her greenhouse or tending her garden. An avid gardener with “two green thumbs,” she had a rare gift that connected her naturally to the earth. Her plants thrived under her care and visiting her often meant joining her among blooming flowers and growing vegetables. Springtime held a special place in her heart, when her greenhouse and garden were bursting with life and her table was filled with her favorite foods—fresh vegetables she lovingly grew herself.

Kathy was also a passionate pottery enthusiast. She spent countless hours honing her craft, earning various certificates and accolades through the years. Her pottery reflected who she was—patient, thoughtful, and guided by love. Working with her hands came naturally to her, whether shaping clay, nurturing plants, or caring for her family.

A proud graduate of Cutter Morning Star High School, Class of 1967, Kathy carried her love of learning throughout her life. She continued her education at Henderson State University and her local community college. Education came naturally to Kathy, and she passed that value on to her children by being deeply involved in their schooling. She was always “the mom” in the classroom, faithfully serving as a homeroom parent. Her children were her greatest joy, and if you happened to share a classroom with them, you were loved just as deeply.

Kathy cherished traditions, especially during the Christmas season. One of the family’s most beloved memories—and a tradition that lives on—was Kathy Jean’s famous Christmas lasagna. While not a traditional holiday meal, it was what her children loved most, so it was what she lovingly prepared every year, along with her equally famous banana pudding (especially for Mikal).

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Louise Anderson; her sister, Janie Braswell; and her brother, David Anderson.

She is survived by her loving husband, L.D. Murders; her children, Mikal Murders, Kathryn Renae Boyles, and Tiffany Gentry (Doug); her siblings, Joyce Carpenter (David), Clyde Anderson Jr. (Renee), and Cindy Wilson; her cherished grandchildren, Kathlena Boyles, Liam Gentry, and Olly Gentry; and 11 nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Kathy lived a life she truly loved, and loving her family was what mattered most to her. She will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

A Celebration of Kathy’s Life will be held in the coming spring. Please visit www.GrossFuneralHome.com for updated service information and/or to leave condolences, fond memories, and expressions of sympathy to the family.