Kathryn Elaine Meadows

Kathryn Elaine Meadows (née Hackelman), known throughout her life as Kathryn, Katie, or simply Kate, died on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. She was 47 years old.

Katie was born to Harry and Elaine Hackelman on November 12, 1978, in California. Her older brother, Tom, and older sister, Tammy, were overjoyed to welcome the tiny, loud baby who completed their family—and quickly made sure everyone knew she had arrived.

Katie graduated from Shawnee High School in 1996 and later joined the United States Army, where she briefly served her country. During her time in the Army, she met and married Chris Shaddock. The couple was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

When Chris deployed during the war in Afghanistan, Katie was expecting their child and moved to Corona, California, to live with her sister, Tammy. During that time, she became a mother to the person who would forever hold the most important place in her heart: her son, Christopher.

After Christopher’s birth, Katie eventually returned to Shawnee. Determined to continue her education, she attended Rose State College and later earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Central Oklahoma. Her decision to pursue social work reflected her understanding of life’s complexities and her desire to help others navigate them.

Throughout her life, Katie faced struggles that were not always visible to those around her. Ultimately, she lost her battle with mental illness.

Her family has chosen not to hide this part of Katie’s story because there should be no shame in talking about mental health or suicide. At the same time, they refuse to allow the way Katie died to become the story of who she was.

Katie was so much more than the final moments of her life.

She was a daughter.

She was the baby of the family—a little sister who could undoubtedly drive her older siblings crazy.

She was a mother who deeply loved her son.

She was an aunt, a friend, and a woman whose life mattered to far more people than she may ever have realized.

Above all, she was loved.

Katie leaves behind her beloved son, Christopher Martin Meadows (Shaddock), along with family and friends who are grieving the enormous loss of someone they loved while facing questions for which there may never be answers.

Katie’s family hopes that something meaningful can come from sharing her story. If you are struggling, please tell someone. If someone you love seems different, withdrawn, overwhelmed, or simply not themselves, reach out. Ask the uncomfortable question. Listen without trying to fix everything. Sit beside them in the darkness. Remind them that they matter.

There is help. There is hope. Even when someone’s mind tells them otherwise, there are people who will stand beside them through their darkest moments.

Please stay. Please reach out. Please allow someone to help carry what feels too heavy to carry alone.

Katie is survived by her beloved son, Christopher Martin Meadows (Shaddock); her brother, Tom Hackelman, and his soon-to-be wife, Debbie Egan, of Virginia; her sister, Tammy Hackelman Friesen, and her husband, Ivan, of Lake Charles, Louisiana; and Tammy’s children—Katie’s nieces and nephew—Savannah Elaine Smith and her partner, Jason Meager; Elysia Smith and her husband, Jeremy Bauer; and Lawson William Smith and his partner, Ashley Erickson, who are expecting their son, Montgomery.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Elaine Hackelman; her great-grandparents, George and Bertie Meadows; and her great-aunt, Hettie Widmark.

To some, she was Kathryn.

To many, she was Katie.

But to her big sister, she would always be Kate.

And Kate will be deeply missed.

Her family asks that you honor Katie by paying attention to the people you love. Listen. Be present. Ask twice when someone tells you they are fine. Make the phone call. Send the text. Sit beside someone when there are no words.

And when life becomes unbearably heavy, please ask for help.

Katie was here.

Katie was loved.

Katie mattered.

And Katie will always be remembered.