Kathy Jane Baladenski, 66, of Festus died Oct. 21, 2026, at her home. Mrs. Baladenski was a member of De Soto Church of Christ and had previously worked 10 years as a CNA at Jefferson Memorial Hospital. She had a heart for helping others and spent many years organizing meals for families who had lost loved ones through her church. Willing to lend a helping hand, she was also a volunteer at Vacation Bible School. She loved spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Whether she was playing dress-up, preparing pretend meals in the play kitchen or finding ways to entertain them, she loved making memories with her grandchildren. She loved sharing recipes, teaching others new things in the kitchen and making sure no one went hungry. She was especially famous for her delicious homemade fudge, which became a Christmas tradition. She also had a lifelong love of rock music. You could find her with KSHE 95 playing on the radio she carried in her pocket or attending rock concerts with her husband. Inseparable throughout their many years of marriage, her and her husband were each other's constant companions and faced life side by side through the joyful and challenging moments. She was known for being outspoken, quick-witted, sarcastic and often the life of the party. She will be remembered for her laughter and sense of humor, the lessons she taught and the love she shared with others. Born Sept. 7, 1960, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of the late Betty (Jennings) and Glen Stewart.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years: Michael Baladenski; three daughters: Annie Redd of Festus, Carrie (Brandon) Volkmar of Pensacola, Fla., and Amy (Kevin) Meyer II of Festus; a brother: Gary (the late Laura) Stewart of Hughes Springs, Texas; seven grandchildren: MicahLynn Meyer, Joseph Chalupny, Addison Meyer, Ethan Chalupny, Noah Chalupny, Hunter Redd and Emma Chalupny; and her service dogs: Tesla and Lucy.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the funeral home, officiated by ministers Gary Stewart and Mark Auten. Interment will follow in Presbyterian/Methodist Cemetery in Festus. Memorials may be made to the Children’s Home Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR, 72450. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.