Submit a PhotoIt is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Katharine Marie Masters, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, veteran, and friend, whose warmth and light touched everyone who knew her. She passed on March 27, 2026 in her home in Gilbert, Arizona.
Kathy was a proud United States Air Force veteran, serving her country with honor for 10 years, including during Desert Storm. She held the rank of Staff Sergeant and served on the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard, carrying herself with strength, discipline, and deep pride in her service.
She was the beloved wife of Bruce Masters and a deeply cherished mother to Courtney Grimm. She was like a second mom to her son-in-law, Joshua Grimm, and was lovingly known as “Mimi” to her three beloved grandchildren, Levi, Liv, and Miles. Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she was fiercely protective of those she loved. She treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Bruce Masters, daughter Courtney Grimm, son-in-law Joshua Grimm, grandchildren; Levi Grimm, Liv Grimm, and Miles Grimm, beloved stepmother Patricia Bruns, brother Jim Bruns, sister-in-law Katie Bruns, niece Quinn Bruns, and nephew Bode Bruns.
She was preceded in death by her father Paul Bruns Sr., mother Marie Bruns, brother Paul Bruns Jr., grandmother Margaret Whytal, grandmother Mary Elizabeth Hill Bruns and her grandfather Robert “Bob” Bruns.
Born on June 27, 1964 in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Washington, Missouri, Kathy carried a lifelong love for her hometown. She often returned to visit her favorite places there, holding close the memories and roots that shaped her. She also held a special affection for Silver Dollar City, a place that brought her joy throughout her life.
She worked diligently from a young age and was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. She worked at Peabody Energy in St. Louis, Missouri for many years. At the time of her passing, she was working for the City of Phoenix as a Secretary III in the Water Services Department, Water Engineering Division, where she was deeply valued and respected by all who worked alongside her.
Outside of work, she embraced life fully. She loved spending time on outdoor patios, enjoying sunsets, live music, nature, and had a particular fondness of hummingbirds that reflected her compassion for all animals. In these things and the fierce love she had for her family, she found a simple yet meaningful appreciation of life.
She will be remembered for her giddy spirit, her radiant smile, and a presence that felt like warmth and sunshine. She had a unique gift for making people feel seen, valued, and special. Her witty humor brought laughter to those around her, while her selflessness and compassion reflected the depth of her heart. Her faith and love for Jesus were an important part of who she was and how she lived her life.
Above all, Kathy will be remembered for sharing her love for Jesus Christ, the love she gave so freely and the lasting impact she leaves on her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In loving memory of her, we will be hosting a celebration of life at Desert Springs Church in Chandler, Arizona on 5/2/2026 at 3:30 pm. Officiated by Pastor Jim Grimm
19620 S McQueen Rd
Chandler, AZ 85286
Furthermore, a Ceremonial Burial with Military Honors will be held at Bethel Baptist Church in Londell, Missouri on 6/6/2026 at 1:00 pm, Officiated by Pastor Greg Hafer. Reception to follow.
569 Bethel Church Rd
Lonedell, MO 63060
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Kathy will be so missed by us and all who knew her.
Thanks Scott and Melinda. You have been wonderful neighbors to help support Kathy.
Your flowers, gifts, gift cards and baskets have been great. Your prayers and concern for her will never be forgotten. Thank you.
My dearest sweet Kathy. I miss you so much. I am proud of Courtney writing this wonderful obituary for you. You would have been proud and as you lived this earth you would complement her. That’s what you do! You complement and respect all people. I will always love you and you have been the greatest wife for me. Your beautiful face and soul will be carried with me until the day i die. I will meet you in heaven.
I remember the teenage years of our daughters and the friendships they shared, and the love of our animals. It had been a while since we communicated but loved seeing her family grow. I will always remember her beautiful spirit and pray for, Bruce, Courtney and her beautiful family.
Thank you Jerri. Our friendship with both families were great as the girls grew up together. We miss our Maryville home.
The world lost a kind, sweet lady and Heaven gained a saint. I am blessed to have known Kathy from Peabody, she always made others feel loved!
My deepest sympathy to Bruce, Courtney and family.
Thank you Juile for such kind words for our Dear Kathy. She truly was dedicated to her work and wanted to do a great job, even though she was battling this cancer since end of 2023.
I know she is in the heavenly realm. She was the best person I’ve ever met
I don’t even know where to begin.
Losing you feels unreal, like the world shifted in a way that doesn’t make sense. You fought so hard, with a strength that inspired everyone around you, and even now I can still feel that strength in the way you loved, laughed, and showed up for the people in your life.
I keep thinking about the little moments—your voice, your humor, the way you made things feel lighter just by being there. Those are the things that don’t go away. They stay, quietly woven into everything.
I wish I had more time. More conversations. More ordinary days that didn’t feel so important until now.
You mattered so much. You still do.
I’ll carry you with me—in the way I remember you, in the way I try to live, and in all the places your memory shows up when I least expect it.
I know you are rejoicing!
Thank you Caris for such kind words for our Dear Kathy. She mattered prior to her passing and she matters even more as memories of her will be a continued focus for our family. She indeed is a best person you will ever meet.
I am shattered to hear this!! I had the pleasure and honor of working with Kathy at the City of Phoenix! She was truly a remarkable person! May God surround your family in His loving embrace during this difficult time! Your beautiful memories will live on forever!!!
Thanks Shawna, for such kind words for Kathy. I have seen and heard the same words from multiple people regarding our dear Kathy.
I really don’t know what to say BUT Kathy was the kindest, happiest and most positive person I have ever worked with and every time you spoke to her you felt her positive energy. You will be missed Kathy and work will never be the same without you and your beautiful positive energy
Thank you Daniel for such kind words. She had such a beautiful positive spirit. She propelled that spirit to anybody and not just situational.
I had so many pre-covid era conversations with her at work. Either about our AF military experiences or just about family. I’m sorry she passed. Makes me sad. 🙁
Thank you Russ. She enjoyed her time in the Air Force. That is where we met.
I feel so fortunate to have worked alongside Kathy. Her kindness, dedication, and laughter made every day brighter. She will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to her family.
Thank you Julie. She indeed was kind, dedicated and had her own unique sense of humor.
My deepest condolences to Kathy’s family and all her loved once. It was great working with her. Her kindness touched everyone around her. She was truly a gem of a human and will be missed forever.
Thank you Nish for the kind words. She was a gem. That’s why i married her.
I’m deeply sorry for the loss of Kathy. I’ll always remember the conversations we shared about her passion for animals—her kindness and devotion were truly inspiring. She loved hearing about my cats and always adored them, and those moments will stay close to my heart.
Kathy brought so much gentleness into the world, especially through the love she showed to every animal she dreamed of giving a home. I hope the memories of her compassion bring comfort, and that her spirit continues to shine through the lives she touched.
Thanks Can for the kind words of our dear Kathy. The tone and positive have been very consistent to whom she is. She indeed loved all animals in such a sweet way and donated to numerous causes. She sent me several times to deliver pet toys to many places.
I was fortunate enough to have met Kathy while we both worked for Peabody. She was always so nice and friendly when we happened to cross paths. And the big smile was always there! I will miss seeing her posts on social media……
Thanks Steve. Kathy is the person you want at the front door reception of any company. The vibe she shows would make any person walking in the door want to come back. She did enjoy her time there at Peabody Energy.
We were blessed to have Kathy and Bruce move into the home next to ours. What an amazing woman! She and I shared many messages of faith and favorite worship songs. She was such a fighter and to the minute before she passed, she believed a miracle would happen. Now she’s free of pain and she’s living the miracle of heaven, singing with the angels and greeting family and friends. She will be missed so much! I’ll think of her every time I see a hummingbird!
Thanks Carol and Donovan. You have been wonderful neighbors. Thanks for the great prayers, phrases, songs in lifting her spirt with a God Focus. Thanks for the food, gifts and friendship.
For me….when I moved here I was so looking forward to getting to know Bruce and Kathy better. It was truly one of the things I looked most forward to. I watched her with her grand babies, the pride she had in all 3 of them. Kathy was ALWAYS kind and sweet to me. Always. Her absence will forever be noticed, but her memory will always accompany us at all our occasions.
Thanks Julie. Sorry we did not get to take you to our favorite dinner places. She did not get out too much since summer. As her husband, i can tell you she was indeed kind and definitely loved those grandchildren.
Kathy has been my dear friend since 4th grade. The 4 of us, Kathy, Marianne, Beth and myself made quite the quartet. We maneuvered our ways around childhood, adolescents and early adulthood together. Our many adventures tightened our bonds. Laughs were abundant, tears were few, precious memories galore. I thank God for Kathy and our lasting friendship.
We’ll meet again, Kathy, when God calls me home as well. Love you my dear friend.
Until then
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Bruce, Courtney, Josh and the grand babies. Keeping you all in my prayers. I would like to extend condolences to all who had the wonderful pleasure of knowing Kathy.
Keeping
Thanks Margie. She talked about her High School Friends at FCC often. Thanks to you and the crew for being friends to her and the lasting memories. Thanks for the Prayers as well for this Gem of a Woman that I Married.
Hi , I’m Kathy’s Aunt, lovingly known as Aunt Mary
Fondest memories of Kathy all started in June and July of 1964 ..???? Kathy was my first new born niece
Could not wait to see my new Kathy niece .. . so being a twin sister to her mother I offered to help my sister to take care of my New Niece Kathy .
Even as a newborn baby Kathy had such a sweet,
sweet spirit and her countenance was sooo lovely , sooo beautiful … Just like Kathy’and Bruce’s grandchildren Levi, Liv, and Miles Grimm .. all have such a sweet, sweet spirit and beautiful countenances just like their mother Courtney and father Joshua Grimm .
Did you know that Kathy knew some American
Sign Language ? Kathy grew up with a DEAF grandmother , Margaret Whytal and being the caring and kind person she was ..wonderful to see Kathy’s little hands do Sign Language to her Deaf
Grandma Whytal ! The other fondest memories is when me and her Uncle Bob Tonnsen were engaged to be married loved taking Kathy out on our dates .. YES ., Kathy was such a good baby and had such a sweet, sweet spirit about her presence
we wanted to ” SHOW HER OFF ” me and then later known as Uncle Bob Tonnsen felt like we were a family !!! A fun story about the time Kathy was
9 or 10 years old .. at Christmas time Kathy got
an ” EASY BAKE OVEN ” when me , her Uncle Bob
and then young cousins ( my 2 Children ) came to visit my Sister and my Brother in law Paul Sr. Bruns
Kathy would make ” Bake ” us miniature little cakes
from her EASY BAKE OVEN ..the cakes were
” DELICIOUS ” even though they were lop sided,
and had cracks in the cakes .. they were
Great tasting cakes !!! Well , I’ve already taken up so much time …KATHY married a real PRIZE of a guy
when she married BRUCE MASTERS !!! I will always
REMEMBER, CHERISH and TREASURE that day
January 2, 1988 … On that day me and her Uncle Bob’s map we were looking at FLEW OUT the Car window and we did not know the way to the Church
where Kathy and Bruce were getting married .. we stopped at a GAS STATION asked for directions
and made it in time for Kathy and Bruce’s wedding..
the other is the most memorable is when they had
their daughter Courtney ( my great Niece) and the best is still to come .., when Courtney met and married Joshua Grimm and gave Kathy and
Bruce 3 very, very sweet spirited and beautiful
grandchildren just like the sweet, sweet baby Kathy
I took care of when I was off for the summer from my Bible University studying to become a missionary .., and I did .., to the DEAF people !
Thanks Aunt Mary for the Kind words for my dear Kathy. Thanks for the Prayers as well.
Kathy was like another mom to me. She always made me feel welcome and like a part of the family. She always had a smile on her face and made me so special. I always enjoyed my slumber parties at their house. Kathy would always inquire about our shenanigans from the night prior while feeding us a yummy breakfast. In addition to being one of the sweetest people on the planet, Kathy always had the best taste in make up. Growing up Courtney and I would sneak and try use her make up without her knowing haha. I also enjoyed our trips together especially 4th of July at Silver Dollar City and our graduation trip to Mexico. There is something so special about having my parents become friends with my best friend’s parents (Bruce and Kathy). I will miss Kathy alot and know her dear family will carry on her memory and legacy in the way they live their lives and she would never so proud. Love you guys lots!
Thank you CB. You will always be part of our family. Kathy so enjoyed the Maryville Friends. including you mom and dad. Kathy Loved you CB and thanks for helping Guide Courtney during this process. I looked at photos recently as i was researching some for kathy and you are in many of Courtney’s, including the Mexico Group.
I’ve known Bruce for more than 30 years, and whenever Kathy’s name came up, you could see the love and adoration in his smile it was unmistakable. He would talk about the love for their daughter and grand children and the impact Kathy had on each and everyone of them. Our prayers will be with all of you!
Thanks so much Karon. Yes, i do love my dear Kathy, Courtney and now Grandchildren so deeply. I know you do the same with yours. Thanks for the prayers so much.. Hope to catch up with you soon when i head back to St. Louis.
Kathy was a truly warm and caring person and a wonderful colleague. Being from the Midwest, we always enjoyed connecting over our shared roots. She was quick to lend a hand whenever I needed help and was simply a great person to talk to. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Bruce. She will be deeply missed.
Thank You Marcel. Yes, indeed she was always warm and caring. We appreciate you taking the time to write a condolence note for her.