Kathryn "Kathy" Ostrus

Kathryn “Kathy” Ostrus, 71, of Wiota, Iowa, died Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Exira Care Center.

Kathryn Ruth, the daughter of Ronald Everett and Beulah Mae (Cue) Ostrus was born in San Angelo, Texas while her father was stationed there in the United States Air Force on March 4, 1954. Being the only girl, while the boys were out playing in the dirt she was playing with her dolls and in the kitchen with her mom cooking meals and baking. Kathy looked forward to holiday gatherings as a kid because she was able to get “girl time” with her cousins. They even formed a “Hearts Club” that was no boys allowed. Her love of music started at a young age when she started taking piano lessons. As she perfected her skills on the piano, she started learning to play the organ and was asked to play for church services. Kathy blessed her congregation with her music for more than 40 years.

Kathy attended school in Atlantic and while in high school she sang in the choir, ensembles and solos. She also played the flute, receiving several number one ratings at state contest. At Senior Night she was honored with the highest award a high school band member can receive, the John Philip Sousa Award. Kathy graduated in the Atlantic High School Class of 1972.

Following graduation, she enrolled in nursing school at Iowa Western Community College and went on to be an emergency room nurse at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs for over 20 years. She later worked at Bethany Lutheran Homes as head of the Alzheimer’s wing. Kathy’s ability to connect with people and her dedication to treating patients with the utmost respect made her a perfect fit for this career change. Kathy's life was busy and yes at times chaotic but she was never too busy to show love and respect to everyone she came across both in her personal life and professional. She loved everyone and it showed the moment two little children walked, literally, into her life one providential night in the Emergency room, till her passing and beyond.

In the fall of 1987, Kathy became a foster mother to what would later become her own children Jason and Amy, who at the time were ages 1 & 2. Their family was complete when the adoption was final on December 10, 1990. Kathy’s rock strong faith was taken to another level and was the cornerstone when she fostered, adopted and served both mother and father roles as a single parent. She was always a comforting ear and full of hugs.

Through the years Kathy and the kids took family vacations to Florida, South Dakota, Corpus Christi, Texas to see their Grandpa while he was there building and many other great places. The kids kept her busy with sports, dance rehearsal and in later years, band. Kathy had a great sense of humor even though there were times when the kids were teens that they didn’t find it quite as funny as she did. She was fun-loving but stern when she needed to be.

Kathy was overcome with more joy in her life when she became a Grandma, a role she took with immense pride and loved them more than life itself. She had nine Grandkids in total. Jason having five girls & Amy two boys and two girls. Kathy cherished spending time with her grandchildren just as much as they did with her; there was so much LOVE. She taught them math and reading and even had baking classes with them, making assorted goodies, including cake and cupcakes. She taught them many things but one of the most important was sharing the promise of Jesus and how her faith was her guide and stability throughout her own life.

Kathy was an active member of both the Epworth United Methodist Church and the Wiota United Methodist Church, where she was a member for over 55 years. She sang solos and also many duets with Charlotte Boysen.

Kathy will be cherished in memories forever and will live on in the lives she touched. She is survived by her children and nine grandchildren, Jason (Kali) Ostrus and their children, Savannah, Asia, Alexandrea, Izzibella and Charlotte of Shelby and Amy Ostrus and her children, Preston, Landon, Shelby and Serenity of Omaha; brothers, Raymond (Patricia) Ostrus and Douglas (Elizabeth) Ostrus; nieces and nephews; and many extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Beulah Ostrus and infant brother, Gary Richard.

Visitation with the family present will begin at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 22nd at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. A special tribute to her dedication to her career of nursing will be presented by the Mercy Nursing Honor Guard. A slideshow and recording of the service will be available on the funeral home website by end of day Tuesday.

Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for designation at a later date.

Roland Funeral Service is caring of Kathy's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.