Kathy (Small) Burkhalter

January 12, 1955 - May 5, 2025

Kathryn “Kat” Faye Small, born January 12th in Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully of natural causes on May 5, 2025, in Simpsonville, Kentucky. She was 70 years old.

Kat was the treasured daughter of the late Catharine "Louise" Burkhalter and Gerald "Burky" Burkhalter, and the adored only sister to three brothers—Larry (deceased), Gerry, and Steve—along with her beloved sisters-in-law, Patricia and JoAnn, who were family in every way. Kathy’s brothers pampered and protected her fiercely—the way only a girl with three big brothers should be. She grew up knowing exactly what it meant to be loved and cherished, and she carried that warmth and devotion into every relationship she touched.

On November 3, 1978, Kat married her soul-mate, Michael Small. Together, they shared decades of beautiful years full of laughter, travel, music, and a shared sense of love and true friendship. In 2018, the two adventured to Belize, where she gladly paid off numerous government officials to smuggle her beloved 4 cats along. Their bond was extraordinary, and even after Mike’s passing, Kat always spoke of him with profound love and reverence. Her family finds comfort in the fact that they are together again.

Kat was a woman of many passions, but her love of cats was at the top. She doted on her current fur babies, Gracie and Simon, with unmatched devotion, and still carried deep affection for her dearly (recently) departed Clock and Caye. Her house was their kingdom, and they ruled it well—fed, pampered, and loved more than most humans ever hope to be.

Kat's love for music was contagious. A devoted fan of Tom Petty, The Band, Amy Winehouse, Bonnie Raitt, and Tracy Chapman, her house always echoed with song. Her final days were accompanied by her favorite Tom Petty record—gifted lovingly by her son—which remained on her record player when she passed.

But if there was one love that eclipsed all others, it was the love Kat shared with her son, Chad Marquis. Chad, her son from her first marriage to Steve Marquis, was Kat’s greatest joy. In many ways, Kathy & Chad grew up together—learning, laughing, and leaning on one another through everything life had in store for the pair. Their mother/son bond was rooted in a mutual devotion and love that shaped them both.

Kat leaves behind her beloved son, Chad and his partner, Lauren Kelty, as well as her pride and joy: grandson Henry Newton. Henry lovingly called her “Gram-Kat,” a name that lit her up with joy. She delighted in every moment of being a grandmother to Henry, as well as her bonus-grandson, Alex Smallwood, who she cherished as her own. Photos of both boys were proudly displayed in every corner of her home.

Kat also leaves behind her cherished great-nieces and nephews—John, Siera, Taylor, and Michael—whom she adored cheering on as they grew into the people they were meant to be. Watching them thrive brought her much pride and happiness.

Kat's life was rich with friendship and connection. She had a circle of friends who held her up and held her close—her niece Kelly, her dearest friend Courtney, her bestie-neighbor Sandra, her first husband, Steve Marquis, her lifelong friends, F.L., Barb, Tim, and many, many others.

Kat loved to give gifts—thoughtful, quirky, and often unexpected treasures that showed just how well she knew the people she loved. She approached the everyday with curiosity, humor, and just the right amount of sass and sweetness. At her core, Kat was radiant tenderness. She felt deeply, loved fiercely, and gave freely. Her laugh—often sudden, always genuine—was contagious, and being in her presence guaranteed joy, mischief, and the kind of affection that leaves a mark on your soul.

Kathryn “Kat” Small lived a life that was quirky, caring, and overflowing with love. She will be profoundly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her, and the echoes of her laughter and love will carry on in every song, every photo, and every pawprint left behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Alley Cat Advocates or any animal rescue organization of your choice. The family also asks you to simply turn up a favorite song that means something to you personally- and think of her.

“You belong among the wildflowers / You belong in a boat out at sea / Sail away, kill off the hours / You belong somewhere you feel free.” Tom Petty, Wildflowers

All are welcome to gather for a visitation to share memories and honor Kat on May 21, 2025, from 5–8 p.m. at Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home, located at 7410 Westport Rd., Louisville, KY 40222.