Kathy Charvat

Kathy Louise (Shackelford) Charvat, 75,

Longtime Guthrie resident, Kathy Louise (Shackelford) Charvat, 75, passed from this life to be with her Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, at 11:32 a.m., Sunday, April 14, 2024.

She was born fifth of seven children to Lewis Mabry and Sylvia Oreatha (Sanders) Shackelford on Aug. 30, 1948, in Shawnee.

She attended elementary and Junior High school in Shawnee, as well as four years of high school at Harjo; she graduated in May of 1967.

On May 6, 1967, she married T.F. Hall and had one daughter, Vicky O. Hall, who was born May 20, 1968. The marriage ended in divorce after five years.

As a single mom, she attended cosmetology school and worked evenings for nine months at A&W drive-in, in Shawnee. She earned an advanced Cosmetology License and worked in cosmetology for one and a half years.

While Kathy was working as a fry cook at A&W, she met Dennis Edward Charvat, a young electrician who was hired to do electrical work at the restaurant; they were married on Oct. 11, 1975, when Vicky was 7, and Dennis' son Chris was 4 years old.

Kathy became a stay-at-home mom and secretary for the couple’s business, Charvat Electric, in Shawnee.

In April 1982 at Temple Baptist Church, in Shawnee, Kathy became a born-again Christian, giving her life to the Lord.

After Dennis became a Christian in Sept. 1986, the couple began serving on mission trips with Metro-Church, Edmond. They first went to Jamaica, then to Africa, with Jimmy Hodges Ministries. Then they spent two years in the UK helping to establish a Bible college for Christ for the Nations Ministries.

Kathy started sewing when she was 7 years old; she was able to do just about anything with a needle and thread.

Her hobby turned into a ministry when she started quilting in 1977, realizing that was her true gift. She started teaching and sharing the gift God had given her – she was richly blessed and used it to bless others. By the Grace of God she received numerous awards locally, nationally and internationally for her hand-quilted creations.

She joined the first Capitol Quilters Guild of Guthrie in 2008, becoming an active member by teaching, serving as vice president and education director.

As for her gifting and talent, she gave all credit to God, stating none of these things could have been accomplished without His provision.

“When we turn our lives, gifts, and talents over to Him and allow Him to use us, it is amazing what happens,” she said.

She is preceded in death by her parents; five siblings and their spouses – Ollie “Buck” Mabry Shackelford and wife, Lou Ann; Bobby Dean Shackelford and wife, Bea; Wiley Henry “Dub” Shackelford; Donna Sue Lauderdale; Royce J. Shackelford and wife, Barbara.

She is survived by Dennis, her husband of nearly 49 years; her sister Annetia Nobert and husband, Ivan; sister-in-law Linda Fales; her daughter, Vicky O. Misa and husband, David; son, Chris Charvat and wife, Keely; grandchildren, Heather Comer; Johnny Strech; Sylvia Misa; Cassandra Misa and fiancé, Austin Hamilton; Robert Charvat and wife, Mica; Jason Charvat; Daniel Charvat; Patrick Charvat and wife, Autumn; and great-grandchildren, Chelsea Grace; Gabriel; Payton; Synthia; Gwen and a soon-to-be grandson, to be named Gary, due in May; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Viewing will be held from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 21, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, April 22, at McElyea & Owens, 5106 N. Harrison, in Shawnee. The funeral service, officiated by the Rev. Mike Craig, is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Temple Baptist Church, 1234 E. Highland, Shawnee. Immediately afterward, a short graveside ceremony will be at Resthaven Memorial Park, 44909 Highway 3, in Shawnee. Following the services, all loved ones -- family, friends, neighbors, and companions -- are invited to a luncheon and reception served at McElyea & Owens, 5106 N. Harrison.        PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO WATCH KATHY'S SLIDESHOW.

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