Katharine Hobgood

"Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."


Katharine, more widely known as "Kat", now stands in glory with her Redeemer, Jesus Christ, having peacefully departed this world on March 26, 2015 at age 95. Katharine had a remarkable and full life and leaves a host of family and friends who will miss her beautiful smile, strength of character and irrepressible joy that never failed to lighten the lives of those around her.

Born to loving parents, Scott Holmes and Margaret Baird Savage on August 6, 1919 in Hamburg, Arkansas, Kat soon moved to Arkadelphia with her parents and four siblings where she spent the next 78 years. Beginning in High School, Kat became a much sought after soloist for weddings and other occasions, having developed a beautiful soprano voice. She graduated from Henderson State Teachers College after four active years as a cheerleader, member of both the Valentine Court and Football Court, Oracle Yearbook Staff, Choral Club, Who's Who, an R.O.T.C. Sponsor where she was chosen "Sweetheart of The Battalion" presiding at the R.O.T.C. Military Ball and honored by a full dress parade in her honor, and a 1941 Class Beauty.

Following college, Kat taught English in Hot Springs until she met the debonair Edwin Earle "Boots" Nowlin, whom she married in 1943. Her granddaughters loved having her tell of their fun afternoons in his convertible and how she vividly recalled that she had been wearing a black and white polka-dot dress with a small white cloche hat on their very first date. Soon they had a son and a daughter, beginning the busy years of participating in their many activities, serving in both the church, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir, and the community. Their home was always open to family and friends. Once her children reached their teen years, Kat resumed teaching English for a few years at Arkadelphia Junior High School. This was a plus for her own children as Kat was much loved by all of her students. She continued to sing, always in her church choir, but also in Arkadelphia Musicals and was active as a member of P.E.O. When time permitted she greatly enjoyed reading, letter writing, late afternoons of golf and fun times at Nilwon, the beloved family home on Lake Hamilton.

Two years following Boots' death, Katharine married James Couch "Jimmy" Hobgood. With children grown and beginning families of their own, Kat & Jimmy spent the next 22 years hosting various celebrations in their home, golfing, traveling, sharing in multiple family activities and continuing to serve their church and their community.

Shortly after Jim's death, Kat moved to Dallas, Texas to be near her son and his family. Most certainly this was a significant life-change, but one she embraced beautifully with her characteristic great attitude. Until recently, these too, were happy, active, friend-filled years for Kat.

Katharine is survived by her son, Edwin Earle "Boots" Nowlin, Jr. and wife Susan of Dallas, Texas and their 3 daughters, Kendall Law, Bryn Williams and Elise Riter; her daughter, Katharine (Kitty) McRae Nowlin Bennett and husband, Lee of Falls Church, Virginia and their three children Sam Bennett, Nolan Bennett and Kristine Bernier; one sister, Sarah Savage Foster of Lander, Wyoming; Step-son, John Hobgood of Arkadelphia; two step-daughters, Joan Clinton and husband, Dan of Hot Springs and Jamie Ward and husband, David of Okolona; 6 step-grandchildren, Mac Hobgood, Mary Hobgood Willmon, Danny Clinton, Carrie Clinton Blocker, Jay Clinton, Brant Ward and Jimmy Ward; 6 great grandchildren and six great step-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will take place in Arkadelphia on Thursday, April 2nd at 10:30 a.m. in Rose Hill Cemetery. The Reverend Lee McGlone will be officiating.