Kathy Arlene Schneider, 75, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, formerly of Rantoul, Illinois, passed
away on December 25, 2025, at Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Born on April 12, 1950, to Paul and Erma Schneider at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul,
Illinois, Kathy’s early years were shaped by her family’s military service. She traveled across the
country and around the world, yet always considered Rantoul her home. Kathy attended Myna
Thompson Elementary School and graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1969,
cherishing lifelong friendships from her childhood.
In 1996, Kathy moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she quickly found a new sense of
home and community. She became an active member of the local Chess Club, forming close
bonds with friends and colleagues. At the time of her passing, Kathy was serving as an office
assistant with the Law Office of Stephen H. Swift, and had previously worked for Griffis
Blessing for many years. She always wanted to learn new things and develop new skills. Kathy
was an expert genealogist and her passion for genealogy led her to help countless individuals
reconnect with their families. Her love of genealogy, chess and travel took her to more than half
the counties in the United States and her goal was to travel to all of the counties in the United
States. Kathy was known for her engaging conversations and treasured the time spent with
family and friends.
Kathy is survived by her brother, Ronald Schneider (Wanita) of Rantoul, Illinois; several nieces,
nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews; and her longtime, great friend, Williams Dean
Brown, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Erma
Schneider; two sisters, Carolyn Barnes and Phyllis Davis; as well as her grandparents, numerous
aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Renner Wikoff Chapel in Urbana, Illinois on Friday, April
10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will also be held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at
All Veterans Funeral Home on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Kathy’s friendliness and kind spirit will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who
knew her.