Mary Kathryn “Kate” Stokes of El Dorado, Kansas passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 and went to be with Our Heavenly Father. She was 92 years old. She passed away at Wheat State Manor Nursing Home in Whitewater, Kansas. She had a long battle with Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer for many years.

She was born on July 5, 1933 in Lane, Kansas. She was the youngest daughter of Charley and Margaret “Maggie” (Caylor) Borovicka. She graduated from Greeley High School.

On April 5, 1953, she was united in marriage to Robert Lee Stokes in Greeley at her parents’ home. Her brother, Ben actually introduced them. Ben and Dad was in the same unit of the Army in the Korean War. Soon after their marriage, they moved to El Dorado where our Dad got a job at Skelly/Getty Refinery.

She was a homemaker while the kids were growing up. After her husband passed away, she went to work as a nurses’ aide and ward clerk for Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital. After she left Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital, she continued serving her community as a home health aide until her retirement.

Robert and Kate had 4 children: Jackie Bowlin, Michael Stokes, Mark (Gina) Stokes and Sandra (Curtis) Zieman all of El Dorado.

She had 8 grandchildren: Jeremy and Robert Bowlin; Justin and Ashley Stokes; Mark Jr. and Christopher Stokes; Zachary Zieman and Amber Sellman.

She also had 9 great grandchildren: Ericka Stokes; Ashlyn and Novalee Reed; Bentley Stokes; Mark Lindsted, Jr.; Drake and Xander Sellman.

Kate was a member of the First United Methodist Church in El Dorado for many years. She enjoyed being with her family. She loved babies. In her younger years, she enjoyed sewing, fishing and gardening. She also liked playing cards when she visited her Mom and Dad.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents Charley and Maggie Borovicka, 2 brothers Sam and Ben Borovicka; and 1 sister, Georgie Owens; son-in-law, Wayne Bowlin, 2 grandsons Jeremy Bowlin and Mark Stokes, Jr.; 1 great granddaughter, Ericka Stokes, several brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her daughters Jackie Bowlin; Sandra (Curtis) Zieman and sons, Michael Stokes and Mark Stokes, Sr. all of El Dorado; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many friends.

She will be deeply missed but she remains in our heart and memories of her family.

Friends may gather with Kate’s family on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Carlson Funeral Home from noon-1PM. Her funeral service will immediately follow. Kate will be laid to rest at Walnut Valley Memorial Park. Memorial contributions in her memory may be directed to the Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital Cancer Center.