Kathleen Caster

Kathleen Jane Caster, 70, of Riley, Kansas, passed away on May 8, 2026, at Ascension Via Christi Village in Manhattan, Kansas.

Kathleen, known to all who loved her as Kat, was born May 20, 1955, in Manhattan, Kansas, the daughter of Dr. John (Jack) Hurlburt and Dr. Anna (Annie) Hurlburt, both large and small animal veterinarians in Riley. She married Dewey Caster on June 12, 1985, in Clay Center, Kansas, and together they shared nearly 41 years of marriage.

Kat is survived by her husband Dewey; one daughter, Kodi Elizabeth Ann Caster of Edmonds, Washington; two sons, Devin Daniel Caster of Manhattan, Kansas, and Dustin Blane Caster of Dillwyn, Virginia; two grandchildren, Harrison Caster and Madeleine Caster; and one sister, Mary (Hurlburt) Steffen of Conway Springs, Kansas.

Kat grew up in Riley with animals at the center of her world. She spent years working as a veterinary assistant for her parents, and outside of work she broke horses, calf roped, barrel raced at local rodeo events, and, by her own proud account, rode a Brahma bull or two. She attended Kansas State University before pursuing her passion further at saddle-making school in South Dakota. In later years she worked for a decade at the KSU Sensory Analysis Center as a taste tester and served nine years as the beloved librarian at the Riley City Library.

Kat had a gift for finding joy in the quiet and the unhurried. Spring meant long hours of bank fishing for crappie, bobbers on the water, sometimes well into the night, and she made sure everyone knew she out-fished her husband every single time. Her love of animals never dimmed: she volunteered with 4-H, doted on cats and horses, and raised lively flocks of chickens, ducks, peacocks, and the occasional possum. Her creative spirit expressed itself through leather work, beading, painting, and whatever project her children brought to her door. She passed her love of reading and curiosity about the world to her kids and library patrons alike. Over the years she cultivated a remarkable iris garden, collecting more than 150 varieties, a testament to her love of nature and eye for beauty. Kat will be sorely missed by her friends and family.

In keeping with Kathleen's wishes, cremation is planned with no memorial services to be held. A private family scattering of her ashes at her favorite fishing holes will take place at a later date.

The Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.