Kathryn Heep Powers

Kathryn Heep Powers, 90, of Austin was welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior on March 29, 2012. She was a lifelong resident of Texas, born in Buda on May 2, 1921 to Boone and Zoe Heep. Her parents ranched and farmed the land where Kathryn learned an appreciation for hard work and developed a deep love for the Hill Country. She was the 4th generation of the Heep family to live on that land. She graduated from Buda High School where she was valedictorian of her class, she attended Mary Baldwin College and the University of Texas at Austin where she met her husband Neal Powers, Jr. She maintained a life long passion for University of Texas sports. Neal practiced law in Houston where they raised their family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Neal Powers; her son, Neal Powers III of Corpus Christi, both in 2005.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Buffington of Austin, Penny Pattee and husband Bob of Temple; daughter-in-law, Patti Powers of Corpus Christi; sister, Dorothy Larson of Pacific Palisades, California; grandchildren, (Kathy's children) Blake Buffington and wife Lea, Kimberly Quaid and husband Dennis of Austin, (Penny's children) Katie Boswell and husband Mark, Courtney Pattee and partner Heather Mann all of Maryland; great-grandchildren she adored and loved dearly, Garrett and Zoe Buffington, Thomas Boone and Zoe Grace Quaid and Charlotte Boswell, all of whom loved her dearly.

She was an avid gardener who could identify any plant or flower by name--a skill she passed on to her children and grandchildren who continue to endeavor to grow their own gardens with the patience and tenderness she brought to her own. Her home was always filled with nature, whether it was her plants or beautiful painted landscapes that she collected over the years, as she was a strong supporter of local Texas artists.

In her earlier years Kathryn and Neal loved to travel. She recently shared the story of how they went on their first cruise only after winning the trip in a local raffle. The trip was such a cherished time together that they continued to cruise.

Private family services to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, April 13, 2012.

A special thanks to Emeritus and Heart to Heart Hospice for all their loving care and support.