Kathi Rae Schneider Mallen, 70, of Stewartsville, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, after a courageous 10-month battle with cancer.
Kathi was born on December 18, 1955, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Loren and Wilma Schneider. She grew up in Gower, Missouri, and graduated from East Buchanan High School in 1974. She went on to graduate from Columbia College in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Kathi was a faithful member of Gower Christian Church and an active member of Beta Sigma Phi, which later became Sisters in Service.
Kathi devoted much of her professional life to serving others as the administrator of the Gower Convalescent Center. During her tenure, she spearheaded numerous projects focused on the expansion and improvement of the facility. She also served on several regional and state boards for nursing home administrators. Kathi set a standard for excellence and compassionate care, reflected in the many awards and accolades she received throughout her career.
After retiring from the Gower Convalescent Center, Kathi joined her family business, The Farmers Bank of Gower, and later worked for the East Buchanan School District.
In 2004, Kathi married the love of her life, Ernie Mallen. Together they blended their families—Tim, Angela, and Erin—and shared many wonderful years filled with travel and treasured time with their grandchildren.
While Kathi’s daughters were her pride and joy, she especially relished her role as a grandmother. She spent countless hours making memories with her grandchildren, enjoying adventures on the farm and at the lake.
Kathi was preceded in death by her parents, Loren and Wilma Schneider. She is survived by her husband, Ernie Mallen, of the home; her children, Angela Watson (Nicholas) and Erin Stover (Mark), both of Kansas City, Missouri, and Tim Mallen (Becky) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; grandchildren Avery and Owen Mallen, Loren and Olivia Watson, and Joseph and Ella Stover; her sister Karen (Steve) Patterson; nephew Dylan (Carsyn) McGuire; and many friends, including her beloved YaYas.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 18, at 2:30 p.m. at the Gower Christian Church AFC Fellowship Hall. Visitation will be held one and a half hours prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The family requests that attendees wear bright colors in honor of Kathi’s bright spirit.
Memorial donations may be made to Gower Christian Church or the Gower Convalescent Center.
