Katherine Lawler

Katherine Blair Lawler, beloved wife, sister and daughter was called home by her Heavenly father on May 2, 2018 following a sudden illness.

Kathie as she was known to her friends, began her journey in this life on September 25, 1970 in Columbus, Ohio born to the former Lynda Bender and Michael Blair.

She graduated from Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas and went on to attend the University of Texas at Austin.

A long standing member of the high intelligence society, Mensa, Kathie proved once more that beauty and brains were not mutually exclusive, but her beauty was much more than physical.    Her kind and gentle soul shown bright for all she met.   Kathie did not know a stranger and could share her life’s story with anyone over the course of a cigarette.   She would not hesitate to offer assistance when she saw someone in need and held a special affinity for all of God’s creatures large and small.

Kathie’s work career spanned over two decades with much of this working for the State of Texas in many capacities, most recently as a Data Analyst for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.  Her keen intellect was fed by her passion for all things numbers.   Illness forced her to leave the workforce in 2015.

Kathie touched many lives and brought laughter and joy all who knew her, none more so than her husband and companion of the last twenty years, Bill.   Through their many travels and shared passion for scuba diving and Texas Longhorns football, they experienced a life time of love, adventures and memories.    Through her love and grace, Kathie transformed the once wretched creature Bill into a human being.

Kathie’s idiosyncrasies brought many new friends into her life, whether it was all things Ducks, serving as an animal whisperer to the many creatures in her neighborhood or writing of her travel adventures and life experiences through a alter ego blog Dork Chick or under her preferred nickname Scuba Kathie.   Unlike many women, Kathie was not enamored terribly with fancy jewelry but rather was a gadget gal who much preferred the latest Iphone to a diamond ring.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Lawler of Lago Vista, TX, brother Richard Blair of Austin, TX, Mother in Law, Judy Summers of Morgan’s Point Resort, TX,  Brother in Law Kenneth Doan and his wife Gwen of Humble, TX, Step Father Hal Hailey and his wife Mary Ann, Austin, TX, Uncle Steven Whited and wife Debra of Las Vegas, NV, Uncle Peter Bender and wife Alisa of Crittenden, Ky,   Niece Audrey Hernandez of Manor, TX, Nephews Cole Blair of Manor, TX, Travis Doan of Miami, FL and Hunter Doan of Jupiter, Fl and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother Lynda (Bender) Hailey and Father in Law and her smoking buddy, Ralph Summers Jr.

As per her wishes, Kathie will be cremated and her ashes spread across Bari Reef in Bonaire, The Netherlands.

No memorial services are planned but rather a celebration of her life will be held Saturday May 12 at the Lawler home in Lago Vista, Texas.   As Scuba Kathie was an avid member of Facebook who shared much of her life with her friends online, the family would encourage those friends not able to come in person to share their remembrances on Kathie or Bill’s homepage.

The family requests no flowers, but rather anyone wishing to honor Kathie’s memory are invited make a donation in her name to the Christi Center of Austin or any charity of their choosing.