Katherinne "Kathy" Betania Leiva Hernandez

Katherine Betania Leiva Hernández, known to us affectionately as Kathy. Born on May 3, 2001, in the humble town of Terrabona, Nicaragua, Kathy was a beacon of joy and laughter, who on the eighteenth of February 2025, was called home to glory from Salado, Texas.

 Kathy, a cherished daughter, a beloved wife, and a dear sister, walked through life with a heart full of love and hands ready to serve. She was the pride of her mother, Amparo Carmela Hernández, and the joy of her sister, Sandra Leiva. In Joseph Herd, she found her partner in life, her steadfast husband, who stands as a testament to the love she shared and the life they built together. In her brief sojourn here on Earth, Kathy completed her education with diligence, embodying the intelligence and wit that were her hallmark. She carried these gifts into her work as a cashier, at the Belton Food Mart, where she touched the lives of many, serving with a smile that could light up the darkest day. Her colleagues remember her not just for her friendly demeanor, but for her funny quips that often turned a mundane day into a memorable one. Katty's spirit shone brightest when she was playing with children. Her laughter and joy were infectious, and she had a special way of making each child feel loved and important. It was in these moments that her true essence was most evident – Kathy was a nurturer, a light of hope and happiness in the lives of those young souls. The words that best describe Kathy are friendly, intelligent, and funny. She lived her life embodying these traits, spreading kindness and wisdom wherever she went. Her presence was a gift, and though her time with us was cut short, the impact of her spirit was immense. 

As we reflect on the life of Kathy, let us recall the words of the Apostle Paul, who said, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21). 

Kathy lived her life for others, and now she has gained the eternal peace that surpasses all understanding. Let us not dwell on the tragedy of her departure, but rather celebrate the love and light she brought into this world. For in the smiles of the children she played with, in the hearts of her family, and in the memories of her friends and colleagues, Kathy's legacy will forever live on. We take solace in knowing that Kathy is now in the arms of our Savior, where there is no pain, no sorrow, but everlasting joy. 

Though we will miss her dearly, we are comforted by the promise of a reunion in that heavenly abode where parting is no more. So today, as we bid farewell to Katherine Betania Leiva Hernández, our beloved Kathy, let us do so with grateful hearts, for having been blessed with the privilege of knowing her. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory continue to inspire us all to live with kindness, intelligence, and humor, just as she did. Amen.