Kathleen Barbian

Kathleen "Katie" Barbian passed away August 6th, 2026, at the age of 89. Born October 11, 1936, in Bayard, Nebraska, Katie moved to Las Vegas as a young woman and lived here for many years. She served at the United States Postal Service for over four decades, 1966 through 2010.

She was an avid supporter of the local community. She donated often to many local charities. She was a frequent visitor to Bonnie Springs, Lake Mead and Mt. Charleston. She adopted, fostered and supported animals from the streets, local rescues and shelters.

For many years, she attended Shadow Hills Baptist Church, and she represented the best of her faith by embracing everyone with warmth, acceptance, and love.

She was adored by family, friends, and neighbors, and her absence will be keenly felt in all our lives.Katie was incredibly fond of leisurely reading a book on a warm beach or at the home she loved.

She firmly believed that there was always time for love, laughter, and fun, no matter your age or your schedule. Whether she was calling a long, unintentional detour "the scenic route" or singing "Found A Peanut" while waiting in a long line, Katie always found a way to breathe life and fun into every activity. She wholly supported balancing hard work with fun and enrichment, whether that took the form of dancing lessons, Harry Potter-themed library parties, or simply insisting that anyone who dressed up in true Halloween spirit deserved a piece of candy regardless of their age.

Katie was a beacon of light to all who knew her, offering support, advice, companionship, and good humor. As the pillar of the family, Katie hosted every major celebration in her loving home, from birthdays to Christmastime. She was treasured as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she could often be found at her dining room table or in her favorite rocking chair with a cup of instant coffee, doing the crossword puzzle of the day with her beloved dog, Gypsy, or cat, Lovey, loyally at her side.

She is preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, her brothers Jerry, Jimmy, Michael, Bobby and former husband, Richard Barbian

She is survived by her son and daughter Steve and Melissa Morgan, her granddaughters Brittany and Mackenzie Morgan, and her great-grandson Kane Morgan.

Katie will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and wonderful sense of humor. She was fond of company and long conversations, and loved to reminisce. Comments including any favorite puns, or special memories of Katie, would be greatly appreciated by her loved ones.

A Celebration of Life for Katie will be held on Saturday, August 22nd at 10:00am Palm Mortuary, 1600 South Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada. In lieu of flowers, she would like donations in her honor to the following places and people:

Street Cats Care and Rescue

https://streetcatscareandrescue.org/

Vegas Cat Rescue, headed by Joe Hamrock https://vegascatrescue.org/

Street Dogz

https://streetdogzlv.org/

Make a Wish, local division

https://wish.org/nv

Boys and Girls Club Las Vegas

https://bgcsnv.org/

One of Katie's favorite songs was "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack. While the afterlife remains ever a mystery to those left behind, one thing is certain: Katie never lost her sense of wonder. Katie, wherever you may be now, we hope you dance. my Galaxy