Kathleen Marie (Meyer) Davis

Kathleen Marie (Meyer) Davis

Cedar Rapids

Kathleen M. Davis (nee Hernandez Meyer), 71, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Iowa. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Friday, June 23, 2023, at 10 a.m.

Kathy was born on July 17, 1951, in Oelwein, Iowa, to Thelma Sides Meyer and Jesse Solis Hernandez. She graduated from La Porte City High School in 1969. Kathy went on to attend Mt. Mercy College (University) to study nursing. She graduated from Mt. Mercy with their first Bachelor of Science in Nursing class in 1973. She then enlisted in the United States Army as a nurse where she achieved the rank of Captain and earned many commendation medals and ribbons. Kathy continued her service to her country in the USAR Army Nurse Corps until 1983. Kathy went on to earn her master’s degree at the University of Iowa.

While stationed at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, Kathy met an injured soldier who would win her heart. Kathy was united in marriage to Stephen (Steve) E. Davis in La Porte City on May 24, 1975. They recently celebrated 48 years of marriage, having spent very little time apart for all of their years together. They raised their three children in the home they have shared in Cedar Rapids for the last 47 years.

Kathy’s time as a nurse covered a wide breadth of careers. She worked as a floor nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital, a nursing instructor at Mt. Mercy College, a home health nurse and retired as a nurse for the Linn County Health Department. In whatever form Kathy’s career took, her commitment to the health and education of others was at the core of her being. Kathy leaves a legacy of skilled nurses. As she was receiving medical treatment the last few months, there was one of her former students, who remembered her, caring for her at nearly every facility. Kathy lived a life of service to others every single day. Her kind heart and passion for her work made her truly unforgettable.

Kathy enjoyed reading, music and was devoted to her faith. Family was at the center of Kathy’s world. She was a beloved wife, adoring mother and doting grandmother.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband Steve and their three children, Jamie Davis Cummins, Jennifer (David) Facion, and Jesse (Laurel) Davis, all of Cedar Rapids. Kathy treasured time with her grandchildren, Connor and Caelan Cummins, Taryn Courtney-Facion, Emersyn Facion, Alana and Steven Davis, and Noah and Jonah Facion, all of Cedar Rapids. Kathy is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and too many friends to count.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her cherished grandmother, her mother and father in-law, three sisters and four brothers, as well as a brother- and sister-in-law.

The family encourages those who knew Kathy to “Live like Kathy” and devote their lives to the betterment of and service to others every day.

The family would also like to thank the entire staff on the 5th floor of Mercy Hospital, as well as the Mercy Hospice house staff for the exceptional care Kathy received. Your skills and kindness are unmatched.

Memorials may be directed to the family for donations to be determined at a later time.

Online condolences may be offered at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.