Cathy Jean (Ackley) Henry
September 25, 1960 — April 28, 2022
Cathy Jean Henry (Ackley), 61, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital after a short, but courageous, battle with lung cancer. In the early morning hours of April 28th, 2022, Cathy looked at her loving husband, Richard “Rick” Henry, told him “I love you”, and surrounded by family, went into her eternal sleep where her late parents and sisters, undoubtedly, welcomed her at the gate.
Cathy was born September 25, 1960, to James and Velma “Jean” Ackley. Shortly after graduating from Kennedy High School, she met the love of her life, Rick. Three years later they welcomed their first daughter, with their second following six years after. Whether it was tubing down the Apple River, taking their Harley’s on many rides, or hosting every weekend family dinner, Rick and Cathy, who lovingly referred to each other as “Ma & Pa” enjoyed many things in their 45 years together.
Cathy enjoyed fishing; as long as she had a pole, bait, and a cold one, she could sit on the riverbank for hours - it was her peace. Cooking for others, especially manning the grill, gave her joy. She was happy sitting around a fire singing along with her family and friends while either her or her late sister Lynn strummed the guitar. If you ever found Cathy sitting in anything but a rocking chair, count yourself lucky. That woman loved her rocking chairs! She had one of the best green thumbs and loved houseplants. Once she touched one, it grew, and grew. So much so, at times, our house could have been mistaken for a greenhouse. She made the best creamed cucumbers. Her lasagna was famous and beef stroganoff was highly requested. She could whip up a bed on the floor of a tent that felt so comfortable you never wanted to get up.
Whether it was laying on the floor coloring, rocking to sleep, or “cozying up” for a movie in the living room, Mimi, as she was known by her grandkids, loved making them feel special. She was a good and loyal friend to many, holding a special and close relationship with her longtime friend Laureen Hauptmann, whom she called Lou. I don’t think there is a life experience either of them had without the other. They even worked together at Laser Tech/Office Express, where Cathy worked for 24 years.
Cathy is survived by her husband, Rick Henry; her daughters, Brande Rawson (Chad) and Sheena Henry; her loving grandkids, and her very loved pup, Gracie who will continue to keep her rocking chair warm. She is also survived by her brother, Jim Ackley (Denise) and sister, Gail Ackley Kester; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Velma Ackley; sisters, Lynn and Jodie; and her much loved pups, Morgan and Mallie.
The family would like to thank the amazing nurses at St. Luke’s for their kindness and loving care.
Please join the family for a celebration of life at Union Station Sports Bar & Grill located at 1724 16th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, on Saturday, May 7, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
Cathy was born September 25, 1960, to James and Velma “Jean” Ackley. Shortly after graduating from Kennedy High School, she met the love of her life, Rick. Three years later they welcomed their first daughter, with their second following six years after. Whether it was tubing down the Apple River, taking their Harley’s on many rides, or hosting every weekend family dinner, Rick and Cathy, who lovingly referred to each other as “Ma & Pa” enjoyed many things in their 45 years together.
Cathy enjoyed fishing; as long as she had a pole, bait, and a cold one, she could sit on the riverbank for hours - it was her peace. Cooking for others, especially manning the grill, gave her joy. She was happy sitting around a fire singing along with her family and friends while either her or her late sister Lynn strummed the guitar. If you ever found Cathy sitting in anything but a rocking chair, count yourself lucky. That woman loved her rocking chairs! She had one of the best green thumbs and loved houseplants. Once she touched one, it grew, and grew. So much so, at times, our house could have been mistaken for a greenhouse. She made the best creamed cucumbers. Her lasagna was famous and beef stroganoff was highly requested. She could whip up a bed on the floor of a tent that felt so comfortable you never wanted to get up.
Whether it was laying on the floor coloring, rocking to sleep, or “cozying up” for a movie in the living room, Mimi, as she was known by her grandkids, loved making them feel special. She was a good and loyal friend to many, holding a special and close relationship with her longtime friend Laureen Hauptmann, whom she called Lou. I don’t think there is a life experience either of them had without the other. They even worked together at Laser Tech/Office Express, where Cathy worked for 24 years.
Cathy is survived by her husband, Rick Henry; her daughters, Brande Rawson (Chad) and Sheena Henry; her loving grandkids, and her very loved pup, Gracie who will continue to keep her rocking chair warm. She is also survived by her brother, Jim Ackley (Denise) and sister, Gail Ackley Kester; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Velma Ackley; sisters, Lynn and Jodie; and her much loved pups, Morgan and Mallie.
The family would like to thank the amazing nurses at St. Luke’s for their kindness and loving care.
Please join the family for a celebration of life at Union Station Sports Bar & Grill located at 1724 16th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, on Saturday, May 7, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
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