Dodge City - Katherine (Nieto) Koechner, 65, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 2, 2024 at SunPorch of Dodge City. She was born on June 8, 1958 in Williston, North Dakota to Benjamin and Barbara (Lawson) Nieto.

Kathy grew up in Dodge City and lived there most of her life. She was a 1976 graduate of Dodge City High School and also attended Dodge City Community College to pursue an art degree. In her working years, Kathy was a receptionist at the Ford dealership, a receptionist at Medical Heights Medical Center, and, most recently, a clerk for the Ford County Sheriff's Department. She loved working with people and grew close friendships to many coworkers and people that she served throughout the years.

In her free time, Kathy loved visiting with her family, creating art, writing, reading, watching movies, and all things tie-dye. Her kids and family were what she treasured most in her life and it showed through their loving relationships. This love for family even extended to her SunPorch-family. Her room door was always open there and she loved to visit with all who walked by.

Kathy is survived by her children, Sheri Eirhart and Jefferson of Lamar, Colorado, Sarah Colbert and Roger of Dodge City, Jeffrey Koechner and Maria of Pueblo, Colorado, and Analicia Tallent and Kyle of Dodge City; nine grandchildren (Elisha, Isaiah, Peter, Corbin, Natallie, Jacob, Hailey, James, and Rhiannon); one great-grandchild (Eclipse); and siblings, David Nieto, Patricia Morales, Stephen Nieto, Lisa Nieto, Rosie Nieto, Brandon Nieto, and Justin White- all of Dodge City. She was preceded in death by her father, Benjamin Nieto; her mother, Barbara White; a sister, Barbie Nieto; and brother, Brian Nieto.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to Dodge City Church of the Nazarene Children's Ministry in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.