Katherine Hein Ayer

September 19, 1947 to October 13, 2026

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Katherine Hein Ayer, 78, of Katy, Texas, passed away on September 13, 2026.

Kathy was born on September 19, 1947, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Ronald and Hannah Jane Hein. She graduated from Glenwood High School in Canton, Ohio before attending Wittenberg University, where she majored in elementary education.

In 1970, she married the love of her life, Mitchell Ayer. She was baptized in the Holy Spirit in 1976. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, adventure, and service to others.

Kathy spent many years teaching third to fifth grade (and both her children) at Community School in Roanoke, Virginia, and later at Liestman Elementary School in Houston, Texas. Beyond the classroom, Kathy believed deeply in helping children around the world. Kathy sketched the design for the first orphanage dorm at Restore Hope Orphanage in Uganda on a Chick-Fil-A napkin. That simple sketch grew into a lasting legacy, and she and Mitch went on to support 42 orphans thru today.

They also helped spread the Gospel by supporting several church planters over many years. This network of churches they helped plant baptized over 102,000 souls on the Day of Pentecost, 2026. They donated ration packs, thousands of blankets, and bore wells to provide safe drinking water.

An adventurer at heart, Kathy loved to travel and proudly visited all seven continents. Closer to home, she loved water training their Newfoundland dogs and served as President of the Texas Newfoundland Club. The Club made T-Shirts stating “Kathy Ayer is my President.”

Kathy is survived by her husband, Mitchell Ayer; her daughter, Dr. Karin Ayer (Dr. Christopher Finnell) of Wichita Falls, Texas; her son, Mitchell Ayer Jr. (Traci Ayer) of Denver Colorado; and her grandchildren, Kirkpatrick Finnell, Theodore Finnell, Clare Finnell, and Kelsey Ayer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Hannah Jane Hein, and her brother-in-law, Gus Ayer.

Kathy will be remembered for her laugh, her generous nature, her heart for children near and far, her spirit of adventure, and her devotion to her family and her beloved Newfoundland dogs.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Restore Hope Orphanage. You may donate online at Restorehopeorphanage.org.