Katherine ”Kate” Bernice Ewing, age 98, of West Union, Iowa, passed away peacefully with her daughters at her side on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Stoney Brook Village in West Union. Kate was born March 30, 1928, on a farm in Auburn Township to Glen and Hazel (Smith) Knapp. After attending country school, she went on to graduate from West Union High School in 1945.
Kate married Melvin “Buck” Ewing on June 1, 1951, at Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union. Together they raised two daughters, Kim and Kathy.
Throughout the years, Kate worked at numerous businesses in West Union, including the telephone office as a telephone operator, Bemiss Bakery, Loftus Café, and Graham’s Clothing Store. She and Buck also managed the Lilac Motel for ten years. Her most rewarding work, however, was at Palmer Memorial Hospital, where she worked as a nurse’s aide and later as a unit secretary.
Kate was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church for 78 years, where she also served on the Diaconate. Kate enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was fond of being a member of the Gambling Grandmas who traveled around to play bingo and also enjoyed evenings spent playing cards. For the past six years, she made Stoney Brook Village her home, enjoying the friendships, activities, and the caring community around her.
She especially treasured her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They loved her storytelling about growing up on the farm in the 1930s and 1940s. She will be remembered for her strong work ethic, caring nature, and deep love for her family and community.
Kate is survived by her two daughters, Kim (Michael) Alleman and Kathy (Merv) Boekhoff; grandchildren, Nicole (Joe) Downs, Derek Alleman, Melissa (Jason) Moser and Travis “T.J.” Boekhoff; and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Downs and Molly, Maggie and Max Moser. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Kate was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin “Buck” Ewing on August 1, 1994; parents, Glen and Hazel Knapp; and her siblings, Helen Knapp, Arlene Knapp, Betty Ruroden, and Gerald Knapp.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm with a visitation from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union, Iowa, with Rev. Lori Kleppe as the officiant. Burial will follow at the West Union City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Stoney Brook Village or Emplify Hospice.