Kat Downs

Kathy "Kat" Ruth Downs, beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and servant of Christ, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 5, 2025, at her home in Paxton, Illinois. She was 70 years old.

Kat was born on July 2, 1955, in Niagara Falls, New York, to Robert Bruce Downs and Helen Ruth Widdowson. Her life was one marked by love, devotion, and faith, and she is now at peace with Jesus Christ, who she followed with a steadfast heart throughout her life.

Kat’s life was a testament to the power of love, family, and faith. She was the cherished mother of Joshua Noon Novitski (1980-1984), Justin Novitski (Amy), Danica Novitski Johnson (Jacob), and Katlyn Novitski Morin (Ben). As "Nana," she brought joy and wisdom to her grandchildren: Avery, Cody, Spencer, Sophia, Makenna, Jonathan, Elijah, Aria, Isla and Timothy. She was excited to meet baby Morin in January 2026.

Kat’s faith journey began in her baptism at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls, NY, and her confirmation at Grace Lutheran Church in Escondido, CA. She was a member of various congregations throughout her life, including Grace Lutheran Church, Pomerado Christian Church in Poway, CA, Lutheran Church of Mahomet in Mahomet, IL, and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flattville, IL. She was a passionate advocate for the arts in worship and served the Church in multiple roles, including as Director of Worship, Music, and Arts Ministries at the Lutheran Church of Mahomet.

Kat’s educational journey took her through Escondido High School, Pacific Lutheran University, Palomar College, Parkland College, and the University of Illinois. She earned her credentials and went on to serve in the music and arts ministries for many years. She touched countless lives as a music teacher, accompanist, performer, and preschool educator, always using her gifts to inspire and uplift others. Her love for music was a true reflection of her soul, and her passion for youth arts will live on through the legacy she leaves behind.

Kat’s enduring faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She believed in the resurrection and eternal life, and though her earthly body has passed, she now stands with her Savior, embraced by the love and grace that she so graciously shared with others. Her life is a reminder of the everlasting peace that awaits those who walk with Christ, and her family finds comfort knowing that she is now in His presence, free from pain and sorrow.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 11th, from 3:00-5:00 PM at First Christian Church, 3601 S Staley Rd, Champaign, IL, with a memorial service to follow at 5:30 PM. Kat’s family invites all who knew her to join in celebrating her life and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the “Carol Allen Memorial Scholarship” to support aspiring musicians in attending school to play out their professional music dreams. Kat and Carol made music together for years, playing the piano side by side for musicals at Mahomet-Seymour HS and supporting young adults in finding their own voices in music and theater.

Donations can be made at First-Mid Bank under Carol Allen Memorial Scholarship or by Venmo to @jami-gillham.

Kat’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed by her music, her faith, and her love.
 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Blair-Owens Funeral Home, Mahomet, IL.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kat Downs, please visit our floral store.