Katherine P. Buckner, age 91, of Madrid, Iowa, died Sunday, August 15, 2021, at the Madrid Home for the Aging.

Born March 6, 1930, in Clarinda, Iowa, Katherine Pearl Buckner was the daughter of Elmer Alvin and Ilean Lucinda (Embree) Smith. She was married to Elmer Lee Rucker on April 25, 1948. Four children, Lucinda (Cindy), Kathy, Wanda and Barbara, were born to this union. Elmer Lee passed away April 23, 1973, having been married for just a few days short of 25 years.

On September 25, 1976, Katherine was united in marriage to Irvin Eugene Buckner. Buck passed away September 9, 1998, also just a few days short of 25 years. Stepchildren were Rick, Carolyn, Mary and Theresa.

Survivors include three children, Kathy (Edward) Sands of Madrid, Wanda (Dale) Lockamy of Homestead, FL, and Barbara (Roeder) Rucker of Red Oak: six grandchildren, Jason (Shantel) Sands, Aaron (Rachel) Sands, Justin (Bobbi) Roeder, Reagan Roeder, Clinton Ogle and Doug Ogle; eight great-grandchildren, Devin, Jacob, Isaac and Evelyn Sands, Chase, Carson, Miles and Graham Roeder; and two great-great-grandchildren, Emryk and Brixtyn. Also surviving are a sister, Marcia (Jim) Nye of Omaha, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her two husbands; her parents; six brothers, Elmer "Bubby" Smith Jr., Doyle Smith, Donald Smith, Floyd "Paul" Smith, Kenneth Smith, and Harry Smith; a sister Nola, and two in infancy, Lois and Sharon.

Katherine's favorite adventure as a child was taking the train to Washington where her family lived for a few years, then taking a bus home with one of her brothers. She spent the first part of married life raising four girls which included making their clothes when they were small and then formals while in high school. Katherine was an avid reader and loved to paint, although she didn't begin painting until she retired from working in the office at the Marine Corp Base in Jacksonville, NC. While in North Carolina, Katherine built a house and enjoyed creating a huge flower garden, complete with water features as well as a greenhouse she constructed herself.

Katherine enjoyed her many years in North Carolina and getting to know her stepchildren. Katherine returned to Iowa following the death of her second husband, Buck, and treasured the time she had with family and friends in Iowa. She was a member of the Shenandoah Women's Auxiliary and a hospital volunteer. Katherine spent the last few years at The Cedars Assisted Living where she made many friends and touched many lives.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Ames Monument & Cremation Center has been entrusted with the care of Katherine and her family.