Beloved mother, Babicka, partner, sister, friend, mentor, and educator - Dr. Kathleen Hustava-known affectionately as Kathy, Kath, Kat, or Frieda-rejoined her Maker in heaven on April 23, 2025. She passed peacefully, surrounded by love and, even in her final moments, exuding the strength, inspiration, and determination that defined her life.

Kathy is survived by her life partner and high school crush, Jim Figgemeier (lovingly known as Figg or Figgy); her daughters Natalie (John) Creamer, Jennifer Wyper, and Stephanie Wyper; and their proud father, Mike Wyper. She was the deeply devoted Baba to her cherished grandchildren, Atticus, Alice, Jack and grandpup, Bash, whose lives she touched with endless joy, wisdom, and warmth. She also poured love into Jim’s children - Jon (Molly) Figgemeier, Angee Figgemeier and grandchildren - Jack, Lily and Greta, as well as the entire family.

Her circle of love extended wide, encompassing treasured friends, cousins, and a vibrant extended family who were drawn to her light, humor, and fierce loyalty.

Kathy was a born educator-passionate, principled, and tireless in her pursuit to uplift students and fellow teachers alike. Her impact reached far beyond the classroom and her principal’s office, where she served as a mentor and a true believer in the power of education to change lives.

Adventurous and full of spirit, Kathy was a certified scuba diver, once backpacked through the Smoky Mountains, and proudly recounted the times she flipped her Jeep Wrangler while mudding-laughing in the face of the unexpected, just as she lived. She and Jim once rode cross-country on a Harley, taking in the world with open hearts and the wind at their backs. She collected fountain pens, each one a small reminder of her love for handwritten beauty and detail.

In the kitchen, she was a legend-famous for her vodka pickles, salsa, horseradish, and jam. Each jar was a labor of love, gifted freely and remembered fondly by all lucky enough to receive one.

She was the organizer of all things and all people-often the heartbeat of every group she was part of. But above all, Kathy was a mother first. The bond she shared with her daughters was unwavering and sacred. They were her greatest joy, her proudest accomplishment, and her reason for everything. Her love shaped them, and through them, she lives on.

The family extends deep gratitude to MD Anderson and Dr. Kaseb’s team for their extraordinary care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Kathy’s honor to Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition (CMSHTC) - a cause she championed passionately in life.

Details on a celebration of life will be announced soon.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 902 East North Street, Eldon, MO 65026 (573) 392-3351. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.