Katherine Marcella “Katy” New, 83, of Florence, Texas, passed away February 10, 2026.

Born August 15, 1942, in Hutchinson County, Texas, and raised in Benjamin, Katherine carried her West Texas roots with her everywhere she went — along with a sharp wit and an even sharper sense of independence.

Katherine graduated from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) in the spring of 1964, launching what would become a meaningful and much-loved career in education. She began teaching in Dimmitt, Texas, that same year, discovering quickly that her heart belonged in an elementary classroom. She had a gift for meeting children exactly where they were — encouraging, steady, and never one to underestimate what they could achieve.

Over the years, nothing delighted her more than hearing from former students, watching them grow into adults with families of their own. She remained in touch with many, proudly following their lives as though each success were a quiet extension of her own classroom.

On June 4, 1965, she married Jack Propps New, beginning a partnership that carried them across the state of Texas. Together they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and community before finally settling in Liberty Hill. After Jack’s passing in January 2012, Katherine eventually made her home in Florence, Texas, where she lived until her own passing.

Katherine was witty, proud, and fiercely independent — a woman who knew her own mind and was never shy about sharing it. Her quick humor could sneak up on you, and her opinions were delivered plainly, often with impeccable timing. If you asked for her thoughts, you received them — unvarnished and honest. If you didn’t ask, you might receive them anyway.

She attended New Hope Baptist Church and especially treasured her Tuesday morning coffee group. Those gatherings were less about caffeine and more about connection — conversation, laughter, and the kind of friendship that deepens over time. She also maintained close ties with her fellow educators, faithfully attending the Liberty Hill retired teacher luncheons. Teaching wasn’t simply what she did; it was part of who she was.

Katherine is survived by her daughters and their spouses: Linda and Allen Corporon; Molly and Bill Mast; Son in law, Ryan Jahns; and Katelyn New and David Pinckney. She was the proud grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of six — roles she carried with unmistakable pride.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack; her daughter, Nancy New Jahns; her parents; and her siblings. The losses she experienced in life shaped her strength but never diminished her spirit.

To her family, Katherine was steady and strong. She modeled resilience without fanfare and self-reliance without apology. She demonstrated that a woman could stand firmly on her own two feet, speak her mind, raise her children with conviction, and still show up faithfully for the people she loved. Her pride in her family was evident — not showy, but certain.

A private interment will be held in Benjamin, Texas, returning her to the place that first shaped her independent spirit.

In lieu of a traditional service, the family asks that you take a moment to have coffee with a friend and share your favorite memory of Katherine. Raise a cup, speak honestly, laugh freely, and perhaps offer an opinion no one asked for — she would have appreciated that.

Our mom’s life was measured not only in years, but in conversations, lessons taught, friendships sustained, and the quiet confidence she instilled in others. Eighty-three years was a good, full run — and she made every one of them distinctly her own.