Obituary for Cathy Stavinsky

Cathy Stavinsky

December 2, 1947 – December 25, 2024

Cathy Stavinsky, 77, passed away peacefully on the morning of December 25, 2024 after a four-year decline from Alzheimer’s disease. She was born December 2, 1947 in Ponca City, OK to Lorene (Wells) and John Hasenfratz. Cathy was a licensed practical nurse and enjoyed many years working for Dr. Berno Ebbesson and Dr. Timothy Gilbert. Through her employment, she made many friends and acquaintances. It was a rare occurrence for her to go anywhere in town without someone greeting her. After retirement, she worked part-time at Lowes. She loved people and enjoyed helping people. Working at Lowes brought her so much joy and if it were not for her illness, she would still be working there. Besides working, Cathy was passionate about her home and her pets. She had a soft spot for homeless kittens and cats. Through the years, she saved countless felines from sickness and starvation. Cathy loved and cherished her family and friends. She was a devoted daughter who deeply loved her parents and enjoyed spending time with them. During the last couple of years of mental decline, she spoke of her parents and brother often and constantly wanted to see them. One can only imagine their beautiful Christmas reunion in Heaven.

Cathy always looked forward to lunch and shopping on Saturdays with her best friends and attending Sunday services at the Free Will Baptist Church. She had a strong Christian faith and believed her service to God was done by serving others. Her kindness, compassion, and desire to help people made her an amazing nurse. She always said the Lord blessed her with an occupation she loved and never felt like work.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Larry Hasensfratz, and Larry’s cherished daughter-in-law, Michelle Lynn Horinek. She is survived by her son, Steve Stavinsky (Ponca City); daughter, Lori Shively and husband Jay (OKC); grandsons, Oscar and Oliver Shively (OKC); sister-in-law, Freda Hasenfratz (Tyler, TX); nephew, Troy Horinek (Tyler, TX); niece, Shannon Smith and husband Gregg, (Plano, TX); nephew, Troy Dean Hasenfratz and wife Sandy (Ponca City); life-long best friends, Leanne Neidig, Renee Lee, and Arlene Brown (all from Ponca City); and many great nieces, nephews, great-great nieces and nephews. Cathy is also survived by her beloved dog, Maggie Mae (OKC). Maggie came into her life in 2016 as a newborn puppy. They had 6 ½ beautiful years together before Cathy’s disease made it impossible for her care. Out of all the pets Cathy had in her life, Maggie Mae was her most cherished companion and brought her so much love and joy, especially in the last years of her life. The Shively family would like to thank Cathy’s dear and beloved nephew, Troy Dean and wife Sandy, and their children Matthew, and Kelci for all the love and support they provided through the years. They were a constant blessing in Cathy’s life and she loved them like her own children.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel in Ponca City with Pastor Adam Phillips officiating. A reception for friends and family will immediately follow at the Ponca City Country Club. In memory of Cathy, please consider donating to the Ponca City Animal Shelter or animal charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home