Kathy Jo Werner

We regretfully announce the passing of Kathy Jo Werner of Easley, SC on September 07, 2025. Kathy passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by her favorite people in this world, her husband Robert "Skip" Werner and son Kent Werner.

Kathy was born on May 22, 1953, daughter to the late Carol Lasswell (née, Clauson) and Ronald Mealman, as well as stepdaughter to Roy Lasswell. She was born in Aurora, IL at Copley Memorial Hospital and described as a beautiful blue eyed baby girl with golden hair and loved instantly as the first child in the family.

Kathy is survived by her husband Robert "Skip" Werner whom she married in 1986, son Kent Werner (Rachel Werner), as well as two grandchildren Ryan Werner and Rory Werner.

In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her sister Connie Wechter (Larry Wechter), brothers Kevin Lasswell (Mary Ann Lasswell) and Mike Mealman (Tammy Mueller). She also leaves behind niece Amie Lynn Mealman (great nieces, Ava DeLaCruz and McKynna Minter) and nephews Aaron Wechter (Jocelyn Wechter), Mathew Wechter, Brian Lasswell (Bridgett Lasswell) and Eric Lasswell.

After graduating from Geneva Community High school in 1971, Kathy went on to study education at Eastern Illinois University and graduated in 1975 with a teaching degree. After graduation, she landed her first job teaching for Bardwell School in Aurora, IL for 13 years. Kathy took a hiatus to focus on family after her son Kent was born. Kathy continued to teach after that, at Mid-Valley Special Education School for an additional 7 years before retiring.

When Kathy became a wife and mother, she decided to dedicate her life to being a loving, caring and present one for her family. Kathy enjoyed getting everyone together for any and all occasions, seasons and holidays. You could find her hosting these events always using her finest cutlery and decor to make every event special. Kathy made it her mission to improve the lives of others through these events, being an active member in her church community and constantly reaching out to others to remind them that they were loved. Kathy had a passion for the Lord and this was present throughout her home with Christian music always in the background, particularly the song "Awesome God" which was her favorite.

Kathy's life was one with many blessings and great joys, she aimed to see the good in all things and was always supportive and loving of her family. Once Kathy became a grandmother a whole new season opened for her and her passion and support for them grew greatly. She will be forever loved and remembered as an enthusiastic educator, loving wife, doting mother and grandmother as well as caring friend to all those who crossed her path. We say goodbye for now, until we meet again.

The family will hold a memorial gathering for friends and family in the home of Kathy Werner in South Carolina on Sunday, September 14th at 3:00 P.M. for all those unable to be with us when we take her home to her final resting place in Illinois. Werner Home: 132 Ella B Lane, Easley SC 29640

There will be a Celebration of Life Service and Luncheon at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. Service will be held in Sanctuary and followed by Luncheon in the Education Hall.

Church: 1145 N. 5th Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174

The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to Bethlehem Church at 1145 N. 5th Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174.